Israeli-Turkish National Harassed by Pro-Palestinian Protesters in Istanbul Mall

A woman holding both Israeli and Turkish citizenship was confronted by pro-Palestinian demonstrators on Sunday at the Istinye Park shopping mall in Istanbul. Security personnel intervened to escort her out of the premises. The woman, identified as Kloyda Medina Halfon, an influencer in the tourism sector, was surrounded by approximately twenty protesters. Israeli media reported that she had previously been targeted on social media due to her ties to Israel. Videos circulating online show individuals waving Turkish and Palestinian flags while shouting insults at her, including "There is a terrorist in Istanbul!" and "Child killer!" The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the incident on Monday, calling it "shameful and unacceptable" and accusing Turkish authorities of fostering a hostile environment for Israelis. The ministry stated on X, "Turkey rolls out the red carpet for Hamas terrorists. Today, an Israeli-Turkish citizen is harassed and confronted in an Istanbul mall." The ministry further commented, "When a government offers refuge to terrorists, one should not be surprised to see their hatred manifest in the streets." Halfon, who was born and raised in Istanbul and speaks fluent Turkish and Hebrew, stated in a separate video that she has faced antisemitic behavior in Turkey, recounting instances where businesses refused service due to her Israeli nationality. Turkish authorities have reportedly launched an investigation into the incident, though no injuries were confirmed. Police and medical teams were dispatched to the scene.