The Israeli military has launched a Turkish-language Twitter account featuring Arye Sharuz Shalicar as spokesperson, despite his controversial history involving gang activity in Germany and past violence against a Turkish rival. The account aims to communicate military developments, though criticism has emerged over the absence of native Turkish speakers in this role. Shalicar’s tumultuous background and contentious statements complicate this new initiative.
On Tuesday, the Israeli military established a Turkish-language account on X (formerly known as Twitter), with Arye Sharuz Shalicar serving as its spokesperson. Shalicar’s appointment is notable given his contentious history involving gang activity in Germany, including a documented stabbing incident with a Turkish rival.
“Welcome to the official X account of the Israel Defense Forces! This platform will be used to provide reliable and instant updates on developments regarding the IDF,” Shalicar proclaimed upon the account’s launch.
Reports indicate that Israel is vigilant about the new leadership in Damascus, allied with Ankara and perceived as Islamist extremists, despite no direct threats posed to Israel. Furthermore, Israel is allegedly engaging with both Washington and Moscow to counter Turkey’s escalating influence in the region.
Shalicar’s history has attracted significant scrutiny. Born in Berlin in 1977 to Iranian Jewish parents, he became involved in a notorious gang during his youth, participating in various forms of criminal activity, according to German sources. The Berliner Zeitung reported that Shalicar habitually carried a knife and was known to utilize it.
At age 17, he was involved in a violent confrontation where he stabbed a rival gang member. “I pulled out my knife and stabbed the victim two to three times in the thigh and back,” recalled Shalicar, who was never apprehended for the act. He acknowledged his criminal past, admitting, “I was involved in crime, involved in gang life… all sorts of things.”
Despite his tumultuous upbringing, Shalicar had friendships with individuals from Turkish and Kurdish backgrounds, some of whom aided him against antisemitic aggression. However, he ultimately felt his safety was compromised and recognized the perilous nature of his environment in Berlin.
After taking language courses in Russian and Turkish in 1999, Shalicar immigrated to Israel in 2001, completed his military service, and eventually graduated in 2009 with a degree in international relations and Middle Eastern studies from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, subsequently becoming a military spokesperson.
His new role has not been without criticism. Many observers have expressed dissatisfaction regarding the decision to launch this Turkish-language account under his stewardship, questioning the absence of a native Turkish speaker in the position. Shalicar’s previous role as a spokesperson for German audiences was met with challenges due to his controversial statements about prominent journalists.
In a January communication, he addressed Turkish audiences through a video, attempting to clarify that Israeli military actions target Hamas rather than Palestinian civilians, whom he labels as victims of the terror organization. The Israeli military has been approached for further commentary regarding the recent developments, yet a response remains pending.
In conclusion, Arye Sharuz Shalicar’s appointment as the spokesperson for the Israeli military’s new Turkish-language account reflects a significant blending of political messaging and personal history. While Israel seeks to engage with Turkish audiences, Shalicar’s controversial past raises questions about the effectiveness and reception of this initiative. The Israeli military’s approach to communication amidst growing regional tensions indicates a complex strategy amid ongoing scrutiny of its public representatives.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
