Turkish House in New York Hosts Panel on Combatting Islamophobia

New York, The Gulf Observer: The Turkish House in New York recently hosted a significant panel discussion titled “Combatting Islamophobia in the Modern World,” organized jointly by the Consulates General of Türkiye, Indonesia, and Pakistan on Wednesday.

Turkish Consul General Reyhan Ozgur addressed the panel, highlighting that Islamophobia undermines the principles of diversity, unity, and mutual respect in society, akin to any other form of hatred. Ozgur emphasized that Islamophobia not only targets Muslims but also fosters division and intolerance globally. He stressed that combatting Islamophobia requires a collective effort and collaboration, not just the responsibility of any single nation or group.

Professor Enes Bayrakli from the Turkish-German University provided a poignant analysis, citing Israel’s ongoing attacks in Gaza as a manifestation of Islamophobia. He stated that the genocide in Gaza, along with numerous other incidents, has exposed a global apartheid system.

Pakistani writer Raza Ahmad Rumi contributed to the discussion by reminding the audience of Islam’s rich cultural and tolerant history. He suggested that Muslims can draw inspiration from their history and adapt to modern times, thereby setting a positive example in Western societies.

The panel underscored the urgent need for international cooperation to address and mitigate the impacts of Islamophobia, promoting a more inclusive and respectful global community.