News
September 15, 2002
Year 13 No. 307

The Turkish Times
Menu Opinion Culture Local Business News Archive

ATAA to Pres. Bush: "We pray for our fellow Americans"
"This is not a fight against religion, but against those who have hijacked Islam in the name of evil."
The Turkish Times - In a letter sent to U.S. President George W. Bush on the occasion of Sept 11, ATAA leaders expressed Turkish-American community's solidarity with their fellow Americans. ATAA President Dr. Orhan Kaymakcalan and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Dr. Ulku Ulgur told President Bush that the American-led fight against international terrorism " is not a fight against religion, but against those who have hijacked Islam in the name of evil."

Here is the full text of the letter:

"September 9, 2002

The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States of America

Dear Mr. President:
On behalf of Turkish Americans nationwide, we want to express our solidarity and continued commitment as we approach the anniversary of the dastardly terrorist attacks against our nation. We also join you in wishing strength to our fellow Americans who lost their loved ones in these senseless acts and to our nation who is facing an enemy who aims to destroy modern civilization and our way of life.

The attacks of September 11th not only brought our nation together, but also demonstrated to America that we are not alone. We gained strength from the outpouring of worldwide condemnation of the attacks and from the renewed sense of alliance with our friends. We, as Turkish Americans, have watched with pride as Turkey took a leading role in supporting the United States in the fight against the scourge of international terrorism. The Turkish nation stands with America, not only in words, but also in deeds, putting the lives of her troops at risk in Afghanistan and demonstrating to the world that this is not a fight against religion, but against those who have hijacked Islam in the name of evil.

At the first anniversary of this tragedy, we pray for our fellow Americans whose lives were so violently taken away and for their families. And we wish you, Mr.President, continued strength.

Respectfully yours,

Dr.Orhan Kaymakcalan
President
Board of Directors
Dr.Ulku Ulgur
Chairman
Board of Trustees


The Turkish Times is a publication of Assembly of Turkish American Associations
1526 18th St, NW,Washington, D.C. 20036 - Phone: (202) 483-9090, Fax: (202) 483-9092
For letters to the Editor or content suggestions: editor@theturkishtimes.com
Subscription: subscribe@theturkishtimes.com
Advertisement: advertise@theturkishtimes.com