JWF President Mustafa Yeşil said in his speech that he was very happy to see the old friends now in better and promising times who were with them and supported the foundation during the hard days. Mr. Yeşil presented the first plaque to the Greek-Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomeos.
Reminding Mr. Yesil’s words “we had hard times but walked on this path together”, the patriarch said “in the 90’s people had suspicions about us and the foundation and tried to hurt not only non-Muslim groups but also Fethullah Gulen and his supporters.” Bartholomeos thanked to the JWF for the program and ended his speech sending his regards and prayers to Gulen Hocaefendi, who is now living in the United States.
Also religious leaders from other minorities in Turkey were present at the dinner, from Aram Ateshian, representative of the Armenian community in Turkey, to Isak Haleva, Rabbi of Jewish community in Turkey, Yusuf Cetin, Syriani Orthodox Metropolit.
Justice and Development Party (AKP) former deputy Edibe Sözen said she always appreciated JWF’s contribution to Turkey’s intellectual atmosphere. Journalist Nazli Ilicak, Civilization Studies Center Chairman Bekir Karliga, fashion designer Neslihan Yargici and many others also attended night and shared fond memories with the JWF.
Published on Journalists and Writers Foundation, 09 May 2012, Wednesday
