Israeli lawmakers on Tuesday demanded decisive legal action following an Israel Hayom exclusive that Turkish nongovernmental organization Mirasimiz ("Our Heritage") was renovating homes in east Jerusalem and distributing food to the needy there with the aim of expanding Turkish influence in the city.
Habayit Hayehudi faction chairwoman MK Shuli Mualem-Rafaeli, a member of the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, called for a committee meeting to discuss the matter in an effort to shut down the Turkish organization's activities in the capital.
"The State of Israel cannot continue to allow extremist elements to operate unfettered in its territory," she said. "We're not talking about a friendly organization or a country whose leader is a friend of Israel; rather the opposite. There are many ways to prevent them from operating in Israel – beginning with seizing funds, restricting freedom of movement and even preventing entry into the country.
"We have a discussion in the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee as soon as possible to examine how to act against them effectively. Foreign organizations working against us from within the country are multiplying. We have to put an end to this phenomenon."
MK Anat Berko (Likud) said it was her intention to raise the matter with Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan.
"As part of a state's right to defend itself against physical invasion and a violation of its sovereignty, Israel has the right to prevent a violation of its sovereignty through monetary investments to tendentiously undermine its control over territories under Israeli sovereignty," Berko said.
MK Miki Zohar (Likud) also addressed the issue, saying, "It appears Turkish President [Recep Tayyip] Erdogan isn't resting for a second and continues to act against Israel's goals."
Israel Hayom reported Tuesday that Mirasimiz has been investing significant resources into renovating homes in the Old City's Muslim Quarter. The laborers it hires even wear vests emblazoned with the Turkish flag. This is while Erdogan has reverted to publicly denigrating Israel at every turn.
Mirasimiz also operates the Association for the Preservation of Ottoman Heritage in Jerusalem and undertakes a variety of social initiatives in east Jerusalem, including the distribution of food to the needy, providing school backpacks to children and supplying heaters in the winter.
In May, Israel Hayom reported that the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency handed out about $420,000 in $500 checks to east Jerusalem merchants and residents as a gift for Ramadan, with the goal of drumming up support for Turkish policies among the Muslim public there. The burgeoning presence of Turkish NGOs in the area, particularly Mirasimiz, clearly illustrates Turkey's success in further strengthening its influence and grip among east Jerusalem residents.
