Turkish Activist Starts New Life in Israel Amid Legal Threats and Economic Hardship

Turku Avci, a 27-year-old Turkish student who moved to Israel to support the Israel Defense Forces, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to rebuild her life amid significant challenges. After her student visa expired about a month ago, she applied for political asylum in Israel. Currently classified as an illegal refugee, Avci cannot work or access healthcare benefits, and she is unable to travel abroad for conferences where she was invited to speak on Israeli advocacy.

Avci's situation worsened after receiving an official letter from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan accusing her of insulting the president and supporting Israel, charges that put her at risk of prosecution in Turkey. Social media activists in Turkey have escalated harassment against her by exposing personal details and photos of her family still living there, leading to threats of violence against her relatives.

Facing isolation and no support from her family in Turkey, Avci says she has no choice but to seek public assistance through her crowdfunding campaign to cover basic needs like housing and food. She also hopes to develop her media career further but requires equipment and investment to advance her advocacy work. Despite the hardships, Avci expresses full commitment to Israel, calling it her new home and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to live there.

Her story highlights the personal risks faced by individuals who publicly support Israel from abroad and the difficulties of starting over in a new country under asylum conditions. Avci’s campaign aims to secure financial stability and help her establish a dignified life in Israel.