Jewish community, chief rabbi issue Eid message

ISTANBUL

The head of the Turkish Jewish community, Isaac Ibharimzadeh, and Chief Rabbi of Turkey Isaac Haleva issued a joint message on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, which begins Aug. 8.

The message said religious festivals are common areas providing opportunities to create, instill and further develop a consolidative and integrating consciousness among all of the citizens comprising a nation.

“The fests, both celebrated as an anniversary of a national event and as a religious event, are the common values of all parts of a nation without exception as well as opportunities to express wishes for welfare, well-being and soundness,” it said.

“We celebrate the Eid al-Fitr of our nation on behalf of ourselves and the Turkish Jewish community by extending our best wishes of welfare, happiness and peace.”