Did Israeli rescue teams exploit Türkiye’s 2023 quakes to smuggle ancient Book of Esther scroll?
Israeli ZAKA volunteer Major Haim Otmazgin poses with the ancient Book of Esther scroll, smuggled from Türkiye to Israel, on February 16, 2023. (AA Photo)
Following the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye on Feb. 6, 2023, numerous international rescue teams arrived to provide assistance. Among them was an Israeli rescue team, which made headlines for a controversial act during their operations in the southern province of Hatay. While conducting rescue operations in Antakya, the team allegedly took a historic Torah scroll, part of the Book of Esther, and smuggled it into Israel.
Israeli rescue team’s unusual claim and actions
According to Israeli reports, an elderly Jewish man approached the team and entrusted them with a valuable manuscript, claiming it was part of the Book of Esther, a significant section of the Torah. The man expressed concerns that the scroll could fall into the wrong hands due to the proximity of the region to Syria.
The Israeli team took the manuscript to Israel, citing the potential risks of it being misappropriated in the aftermath of the disaster.
Turkish-Jewish Community’s response to incident
In response to the incident, the Jewish community in Türkiye issued a statement clarifying the status of the manuscript. The scroll, once safely returned from Israel, was reportedly preserved by the Turkish Jewish community in Istanbul under the supervision of Rabbi Mendy Chitrik, who confirmed that the manuscript was safely returned.
Rabbi Chitrik’s message was shared via the Turkish Jewish community’s social media accounts: “The Megila of Antakya, ancient Book of Esther scroll, that survived the earthquake and brought to Israel, was returned this morning to the @tyahuditoplumu in Istanbul.”
Rescue mission’s alleged looting: Questions raised
On Feb. 16, 2023, Ynet News reported that a member of the Antakya Jewish community had handed over another copy of the Megilat Ester to ZAKA, an Israeli search and rescue team. The community member, fearing the parchment could be misused, requested that the volunteers safeguard the scroll and ensure the memory of the Antakya community was preserved.
However, the actions of the Israeli rescue team have sparked controversy, with accusations of looting and historical artifact smuggling. Critics on social media suggested that the team was not in Türkiye to save lives but to plunder valuables.
Safe return of Torah scrolls to Turkish-Jewish Community
The scrolls originally taken from the Antakya Synagogue and smuggled into Israel were ultimately returned to Türkiye. The Turkish Jewish community officially announced that the sacred Torah scrolls were safely returned to Istanbul’s Jewish religious authorities, where they will be preserved.
In a statement on social media, the Turkish Jewish community confirmed that the ancient Esther scrolls were restored to their rightful place: “The relevant Esther scroll has been returned from Israel and is being safeguarded in our religious leadership. After the restoration of the Antakya Synagogue, it will return to its home.”
Cultural Ministry’s statement on return of scroll
Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism also issued a statement emphasizing the country’s commitment to protecting the cultural heritage of all faiths.
The statement highlighted that the Torah scrolls from the Antakya Synagogue, which were severely damaged in the earthquakes, have been safeguarded by Turkish-Jewish community.
