Turkish Muslim Student Identifies as Zionist

Turkish Muslim student Türkü Avci, an aspiring journalist studying in Israel, has become the target of a viral backlash after declaring her support for Zionism in a social media video. Following threats and an arrest warrant issued in Turkey, she fears for her safety and cannot return home, while her family faces harassment. Avci’s scholarship has been withdrawn, leaving her homeless and contemplating political asylum in Israel. She reflects on the decline of freedom of speech in Turkey, noting how quickly public opinion turned against her after October 7.