In Turkey, a History Lesson in Peace

Escaping from the Spanish Inquisition in the 15th century, many Sephardic Jews sought refuge in Turkey, founding a community that has survived for 500 years. The relations between the Jewish people and their Muslim hosts – from the Ottoman Empire to the secularized state – have been traditionally cordial and friendly, argues author Seyla Benhabib. But the recent bombings of two synagogues in Istanbul are the result of that peace, which threatens terrorist organizations, operating in the name of Islam, with the thought that Jews and Muslims can live together. Benhabib hopes that the bombings will strengthen Turkey's multicultural community, rather than destroy a model of tolerance others in the Middle East should emulate. – YaleGlobal