Arye Sharuz Shalicar has been appointed spokesperson for the Israeli military’s new Turkish X account, despite his controversial criminal history in Germany. Israel aims to address concerns about Turkey’s growing influence while Shalicar’s background has sparked criticism and scrutiny from various quarters.
The Israeli military has initiated a Turkish-language X (formerly Twitter) account, appointing Arye Sharuz Shalicar as spokesperson. Shalicar, known for his contentious history in gang activities, was reported to have once stabbed a Turkish rival in Germany. The account aims to provide timely updates from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) regarding military developments.
Concerns have arisen within Israel regarding new leadership in Damascus, allied with Ankara, which Israel suspects of having Islamist extremist leanings despite no direct threats being posed. Consequently, Israel has been seeking support from both Washington and Moscow to diminish Turkey’s rising influence in the region.
Shalicar was born in Germany in 1977 and became actively involved in gang-related crime during his adolescence. His gang’s criminal activities included theft and violence, as reported by German outlets. A significant incident from his youth involved stabbing a Turkish gang member, which Shalicar recounted, noting he was never apprehended by authorities.
Despite his lawless past, Shalicar had friendships with Turkish and Kurdish peers, who provided protection from antisemitic attacks. However, he expressed concerns for his safety in his neighborhood, feeling threatened by the potential for violence. In the late 1990s, he began language studies in Russian and Turkish, eventually immigrating to Israel in 2001 after serving in the German army.
In summary, Arye Sharuz Shalicar’s appointment as the spokesperson for the new Turkish-language account of the Israeli military highlights both his controversial background and Israel’s strategic communication efforts. His past associations with crime and the subsequent backlash against his role indicate the complexities of public perception surrounding the Israeli military’s interactions with Turkish audiences.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
