The Israeli military has launched a Turkish-language account with Arye Sharuz Shalicar as spokesperson, notable for his controversial past involving gang activities and violence. His appointment raises questions about suitability and strategy amidst Israel’s concerns of increasing Turkish influence. Shalicar’s tumultuous history has led to widespread criticism, reflecting complexities in military communication efforts with diverse audiences.
On Tuesday, the Israeli military launched a Turkish-language X account, appointing Arye Sharuz Shalicar as its spokesperson. Shalicar, a high-ranking military official, has a contentious background involving gang activities in Germany, one incident notably including the stabbing of a Turkish rival. He announced the account’s purpose as providing reliable updates regarding the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Israel is reportedly wary of the emerging authorities in Damascus due to their connections with Turkey and describes them as Islamist extremists, despite no direct threats having been made against Israel. As a response, Israel has been seeking support from the United States and Russia to mitigate Turkey’s growing influence in the region.
Shalicar, born in Germany in 1977 to Iranian Jewish parents, grew up in Berlin’s Wedding district and was involved in a notorious youth gang known for graffiti, street fights, and robberies. He gained notoriety after stabbing a rival gang member during a confrontation at the age of 17, an attack that solidified his reputation in the gang world. He recounted, “I pulled out my knife and stabbed the victim two to three times in the thigh and back.”
Reflecting on his youthful transgressions, Shalicar noted his involvement in criminal activity, admitting, “I was involved in crime, involved in gang life… all sorts of things.” He described the emotional toll on his family, stating his mother cried every night, and his father renounced him multiple times.
Despite his past, Shalicar maintained friendships with Turkish and Kurdish individuals who shielded him from antisemitic attacks. However, he believed the neighborhood had grown so perilous that his life was in grave danger. In 1999, he began learning Russian and Turkish, marking his first visit to Israel, and later immigrated in 2001 after completing his education and military service, earning a degree in international relations.
Reaction to Shalicar’s appointment has been largely negative, with many scrutinizing the decision to launch a Turkish service and questioning why a native Turkish speaker was not selected. Previously, his tenure as a spokesperson for German language media drew criticism for his behavior on social media, where he used derogatory language against respected journalists covering Israel’s actions in Gaza. Shalicar has targeted specific journalists, asserting they propagate antisemitism through their reporting.
This recent Turkish outreach is not Shalicar’s first attempt to communicate with Turkish audiences; he previously released a Turkish video aimed at justifying Israel’s military actions against Hamas. The Israeli military has not yet issued comments on the matter, which raises questions regarding their communication strategy within a diverse media landscape.
The Israeli military’s recent establishment of a Turkish-language social media account represents a significant communication strategy shift, spearheaded by Arye Sharuz Shalicar, a spokesperson with a controversial and troubled past. Despite his efforts to engage with Turkish audiences, his appointment has faced backlash. The actions reflect broader regional dynamics, including Israel’s concerns regarding Turkish influence amid ongoing tensions. Overall, the situation underlines the complexity of military communication and the challenges faced in bridging cultural divides.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
