The Israeli military has launched a Turkish-language social media account led by Arye Sharuz Shalicar, who has a controversial background in gang violence. Concerns regarding Turkey’s regional influence have propelled Israel to seek a new outreach strategy despite criticism of appointing Shalicar over a native speaker. Shalicar’s contentious past raises significant questions about the appropriateness of his role in this initiative.
The Israeli military has launched a Turkish-language account on social media platform X, appointing Arye Sharuz Shalicar as its spokesperson. Shalicar, a senior military official, has a contentious history, marked by his involvement in gang activities in Germany, including an incident where he stabbed a Turkish rival during a gang altercation. He emphasized the account’s purpose to provide accurate and timely updates regarding the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).
Israel has expressed concerns over the rising influence of new leaders in Damascus, who are perceived to be aligned with Turkey and are labeled by Israel as Islamist extremists. Despite no direct threats, Israel is reportedly seeking the support of both Washington and Moscow to counteract Turkey’s expanding influence in the region.
Shalicar, born in Germany to Iranian Jewish parents, had a tumultuous youth in Berlin’s Wedding district, where he became embroiled in gang violence. Reports indicate that his gang was involved in various criminal activities, and during a confrontation at age 17, he stabbed a Turkish rival gang member. Although he was never apprehended, this incident solidified his status within the gang.
Reflecting on his past, Shalicar admitted, “I was involved in crime, involved in gang life… all sorts of things. What gangs usually do.” Despite his criminal background, he formed friendships with Turkish and Kurdish youths, some of whom offered protection against antisemitism in his neighborhood. Concerned for his safety, he sought a change in his life.
After taking language classes in Russian and Turkish in 1999, Shalicar immigrated to Israel in 2001 after completing his military service. He subsequently pursued studies in international relations, Middle Eastern history, and politics, culminating in his military spokesperson role.
The announcement of the Turkish-language account has provoked considerable backlash, with critics questioning the decision to select Shalicar, rather than a native Turkish speaker, for this role. His tenure as a German-language spokesperson was marred by controversy, including derogatory remarks towards German journalists who critiqued Israel’s military actions.
Previously, in January, Shalicar had addressed Turkish audiences in a video, asserting that Israel’s military actions were focused on Hamas and not directed against Palestinians. Middle East Eye has sought comments from the Israeli military regarding Shalicar’s new role in outreach efforts to Turkish speakers.
In summary, Arye Sharuz Shalicar’s appointment as the spokesperson for the Israeli military’s new Turkish-language account highlights his complex history and the strategic communications efforts by Israel in light of regional developments. Concern over Turkey’s influence and ongoing challenges in media representation frame the context for this new initiative. Shalicar’s controversial past, coupled with public backlash against his role, raises critical questions about the effectiveness of the military’s messaging strategy in addressing Turkish audiences.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
