Üsküdar American High School, one of Istanbul’s most prestigious schools, is under fire after some of its students collectively gave the Nazi salute during a football match played against Ulus Jewish High School yesterday.
The incident was brought to the attention of the public by a Twitter user, who claimed they had video evidence of the incident. The Jewish Community of Turkey confirmed the news and announced that they are taking necessary measures.
Many graduates and others on social media have expressed their outrage over the incident, which goes against the school’s institutional and educational philosophy promoting anti-racism and pluralism.
The incident, which occurred soon after recent racist attacks against the mainly Kurdish Amedspor football team in Bursa, sparked a wave of condemnation on social media. According to reports, players from Üsküdar American High School celebrated their goal by collectively giving the Nazi salute to the Ulus Jewish High School team.
Üsküdar American High School released a statement expressing their deep sadness over the incident, announcing that they had launched an investigation. The school has been educating generations since 1876, promoting anti-racism and pluralism in its curriculum.
The principal of the Ulus Jewish High School, Funda Kara, expressed her sadness and stated that the school was in contact with Üsküdar American High School and the competition’s organizing group. Avlaremoz, a journal monitoring anti-semitismin Turkey, reported that Ulus students were also angered by the incident.
