Turkish celebrities launch Jerusalem solidarity drive

ISTANBUL A group of Turkish singers, actors, and filmmakers launched a campaign on Thursday to support Palestinians against the Israeli blockade, crimes against humanity, and restrictions on freedom of worship in Jerusalem. The organizers of the campaign launched it on social media with the theme “I’m standing for Quds, because I am human,” using the Arabic name for Jerusalem. They invited people to support the campaign, saying, “Our focus is human. Our slogan is unique. Standing silent in the face of rights abuses and measures interfering with freedom of belief at Al-Aqsa would mean being complicit in a shame for humanity.” The campaign is being supported by such prominent figures as producer-director Fatih Ozbay, actor Necati Sasmaz, and singer Nadide Sultan. Presidential spokesman İbrahim Kalın is also among supporters of the campaign. Organizers also said the Palestinian Embassy has also shown keen interest in their efforts. Participants can send recorded selfie videos showing solidarity with Palestine to the email address kudusicinayaktayim@gmail.com. Following Israel’s imposition of new security measures around Al-Aqsa Mosque after a deadly shootout on July 14, thousands of Palestinians took to the streets daily for a mixture of prayer and non-violent protest. Controversial metal detectors were removed this week, but clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians continued on Thursday. The city of Jerusalem is sacred to members of all three Abrahamic faiths -- Muslims, Jews and Christians -- and the Al-Aqsa Mosque represents the Islamic world's third-holiest site.