Turkish Activist Starts New Life in Israel Amid Legal Threats and Launches Fundraiser

Turku Avci, a 27-year-old Turkish student who left her home and family in Turkey to live in Israel and support the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), has launched a crowdfunding campaign to rebuild her life amid difficult economic and legal circumstances. Avci applied for political asylum in Israel about a month ago after her student visa expired. She currently has no legal work status, health insurance, or ability to travel abroad for conferences where she was invited to speak on Israeli advocacy.

Avci’s situation worsened after receiving an official letter signed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accusing her of insulting the president and supporting Israel, charges that could lead to prosecution in Turkey. This legal threat, combined with intensified harassment and death threats against her family members still in Turkey, has left her isolated and unable to return home safely.

Despite these challenges, Avci remains fully committed to Israel, describing it as her new home. She explained that she has no family support and cannot work legally, making even basic needs like housing and food difficult to afford. Her crowdfunding campaign aims to help her start over, develop a professional media career, and continue her pro-Israel advocacy.

Avci expressed gratitude for the opportunity to live in Israel and emphasized her dedication to the country despite the hardships. She said, "I am starting my life here from scratch and want a new and better future in the State of Israel."