Dear Friends,
I bring you the greetings and good wishes of the Turkish Jewish Community.
Today, we gather to discuss “Imagining Peace in the Mediterranean Basin.” The Mediterranean has always been more than just a sea; it mirrors our humanity, reflecting both our triumphs and our trials. From the shores of Egypt to the islands of Greece, this region has witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations, teaching us that while peace is fragile, it is within our reach.
Throughout history, peace in this region has been a dream for not just the Mediterranean nations, but for people worldwide. Despite its prominence on our wish lists, achieving it remains elusive.
I approach this topic with cautious optimism.
Yet, our optimism must be grounded in reality. Let’s visualize the Mediterranean Basin.
What do we see?...
Asia on the east: the “Middle East Region” in its entirety, “Syria”, “Lebanon”, “Israel” and the “Gaza Strip”. In the north, "Asia Minor", my homeland also known as the "Anatolian" peninsula, in the south, "Africa", "Egypt", "Libya", "Tunisia", "Algeria", "Morocco" and finally "Cyprus" between these two continents.
Let's continue by going west:
One of the largest indentations of the Mediterranean towards the north is the “Aegean Sea” and then “Europe”: “Dodecanese Islands”, “Mora” peninsula; "Greece". Another indentation is the "Adriatic" Sea. “Slovenia”, “Croatia”, “Bosnia/Herzegovina”, “Montenegro”, “Albania” in the east, “Italy”, “Sicily”, “Malta” in the west. Finally, “France” and the “Iberian” Peninsula; "Spain”
Even if for a moment we do not take into account the surrounding countries and nations, such as those that are on the coast of the Black Sea and who try to go down to the Mediterranean "Hot Seas", we see that, almost all the nations and states, including those that are the homeland of ancient civilizations, are in perpetual contradictions, hostilities, and sometimes armed conflicts with each other in terms of geographical, economic, political, religious and some national and social interest priorities.
I think many international relations experts as well as political and social scientists who assigned themselves the duty of making interpretations in this field are just cutting corners by classifying and defining this situation with distinct self-made titles: They say "Realpolitik", "Geopolitics/Geostrategic", and in some unique cases "Petropolitics/Petrostrategic" and so on. They bring new initiatives by producing definitions and expanding them considerably. But, as a clergyman with an MA in sociology, what saddens and even hurts me the most is the term they cite as "Theopolitics/Theostrategic".
I understand that with this, these experts want to talk about a political strategy that prioritizes religious/faith relations, unity and opposition, that is, "Religiopolitik", which, in my opinion, is no less hurtful.
In addition to the individual's relationship and communication with his one’s; religion tries to give meaning to one's life by organizing one's fellow beings, one's environment and one's private universe, and it is perhaps one of the most important ways to liberate a person from staying as a "Human Being" to becoming a "Humane Being". That’s why, it seems to me that it is a great injustice to count faith and religion by itself among the reasons for the ongoing wars.
instead, religion should be a source of peace and unity.
Let’s close this parantheses and return to our main topic:
As I have recently expressed my views on various platforms, the essential grounds of peace and well-being between people and countries, or at least the state of non-war and non-hostility is the correct determination as well correct management of the understanding of "Common Concerns" and "Common Benefits" between peoples and countries.
It should not be forgotten that; searching for individual solutions to problems that concern and affect all of humanity will ultimately end up with brand new social deadlocks. I think this is what is happening in the "Mediterranean Basin" today, as in other parts of the world. Frankly speaking, this makes it very difficult for us to imagine peace in the region.
As a clergyman, I do not want to be hopeless or to instill despair, but I know just one thing; those who do not put in effort and try their utmost towards their longings have no right to hope. Undoubtedly, all involved parties have a role to play in this regard. I think that an education system that centers humanity, nature and life, and which is based on universal values filtered from life itself and the teachings of our faiths, will have a dominant role in this field.
For example, environmental protection is a universal concern. The Mediterranean, which supports millions, faces threats from pollution and climate change. By cooperating to protect our shared resources, we can achieve collective benefits. Economic inequality, migration crises, and religious tensions also require joint efforts.
Religious leaders can bridge divides by focusing on shared values rather than differences. Our traditions teach compassion and community, and by emphasizing these, we can inspire reconciliation.
Education plays a crucial role. A system grounded in universal values from life experiences and faith teachings can foster understanding and empathy. By educating future generations to see each other as equals, we build a foundation for lasting peace.
As the Torah instructs us, “Seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14). Peace requires action and commitment from all of us. Without earnest effort, it remains out of reach.
In closing, the Mediterranean must evolve from a cradle of civilizations to a cradle of peace. As we leave here today, let us not only imagine peace but actively work toward it through dialogue, education, and acts of compassion. Each of us has a role in turning this vision into reality.
Let us commit ourselves to this cause, for the future generations who will inherit this sea and its legacy.
I believe that you, dear friends, have also a lot to say on these issues. As I conclude my words in order not to exceed the time allotted to me, I reiterate my respects to all of you.
Thank you.