Turkish President Erdogan draws American ire after accusing Jews of being “murderers” who are “only are satisfied by sucking [the] blood” of their victims

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused Jews of being “murderers” who are “only are satisfied by sucking [the] blood” of their victims.

During a speech made in Ankara, President Erdogan spoke about the conflict between Hamas and Israel. Accused of using the terms “Jews” and “Israelis” interchangeably, President Erdogan was quoted as saying: “They are murderers, to the point that they kill children who are five or six years old. They are murderers, to the point they drag women on the ground to their death and they are murderers, to the point they kill old people…they only are satisfied by sucking their blood.”

According to the International Definition of Antisemitism, “Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g. claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterise Israel or Israelis” is an example of antisemitism.

President Erdogan’s rant prompted condemnation from the United States. The State Department spokesman said: “The United States strongly condemns President Erdogan’s recent antisemitic comments regarding the Jewish people and finds them reprehensible. We urge President Erdogan and other Turkish leaders to refrain from incendiary remarks, which could incite further violence.”

These accusations were rejected by Omer Celik, President Erdogan’s Party spokesman. Mr Celik said that “accusing our President of antisemitism is an illogical and untrue approach. This is a lie said about our President.”

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