Dozens of Ultra-Orthodox Jews pray in Istanbul airport

ISTANBUL

Dozens of Ultra-Orthodox Jews performed prayers at an airport in Istanbul ahead of their flight to Israel.

Coming from the United States to Istanbul for a stopover before continuing onto Israel, the group performed prayers before boarding the second flight inside the international terminal building of Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport on March 10, reading out passages from the Torah.

The prayer drew much interest from other passengers around the Ultra-Orthodox Jews. Some other passengers recorded the prayer with cameras on their mobile phones.

A rabbi among the group presided over the prayer at boarding gate 212.

Ultra-Orthodox Jews – also known as Haredi Judaists – is a stream of Orthodox Judaism characterized by rejection of modern secular culture. Haredi Judaism emerged in response to the sweeping changes brought upon Jews in the modern era.

The Orthodox establishment controls many aspects of life in Israel, including conversions, marriage and burials.