Turkish Baklava Lady faces violent threats for pro-Palestine stance in US
Naciye Emren, Turkish-Cypriot entrepreneur and owner of 'Baklava Lady,' stands proudly in her New Jersey bakery, advocating for peace and awareness, United States, October 29, 2024. (AA Photo)
In Englishtown, New Jersey, Turkish-Cypriot entrepreneur Naciye Emren, known locally as the Turkish Baklava Lady, placed a message of peace on her vegan bakery’s storefront that drew both anger and support.
Emren, who has managed her business in the area for five years, displayed a message supporting Palestine and Lebanon. This message set off immediate reactions in her community, which has significant Zionist support.
Supporters, protesters gather after Turkish Baklava Lady’s message for Palestine
On October 12, 2024, Emren celebrated her bakery’s anniversary by writing, “We only serve those who believe in peace. Free Palestine, hands off Lebanon,” on a sign outside her shop. This message stirred tensions, as a local rabbi encouraged protests outside her bakery through social media.
Soon, around 20 individuals waving Israeli flags gathered, but Emren noted that more supporters showed up, coming together to stand by her. “It was really incredible to see such support from people of all backgrounds, including many peace-minded Jewish supporters,” she shared.
Family history of conflict fuels Emren’s dedication to Palestinian support
Emren explained her deep connection to the Palestinian cause, tracing it back to her family’s experiences. “We grew up listening to my father’s stories of surviving the 1974 Cyprus conflict,” she said.
Her father, who endured imprisonment during the fighting, shaped Emren’s awareness of global conflicts and injustices, especially the situation in Palestine. “That’s why Palestine is so significant to me.”
In response to the October protest, Emren reinforced her stance with a new message outside the bakery: “Thank you for making us New Jersey’s most famous bakery. Peace for all. Free Palestine, hands off Lebanon.” This follow-up message gained traction on social media, but it also led to violent threats targeting Emren and her family.
Threats were made over the phone and on social media, with messages threatening her life, her family and her bakery. The Turkish Baklava Lady revealed that her personal information had been doxxed online, heightening her fears for safety.
“We are worried that someone might throw a brick through the window or worse,” she said.
Police in Englishtown are currently investigating these threats.
Civil rights group calls for action against threats to Turkish Baklava Lady
The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) condemned these threats against Emren and demanded a full investigation.
“No one should feel afraid of raising their voice for justice and peace,” stated Selaedin Maksut, CAIR-NJ’s director. “The threats against the Baklava Lady are part of a larger attempt to silence those who speak out for Palestine.”
Emren and her family have called for additional security to protect themselves and the bakery, seeking community support and legal assistance to ensure their safety. Despite the threats, New Jersey’s Turkish Baklava Lady remains firm in her support for Palestine.
“I will keep standing for what I believe,” she affirmed. “Raising awareness is essential, and I’ll continue supporting the Palestinian cause in every way I can.”
