1 April
Go With the FLOW 
April 1, 2025 Go With the FLOW
Turkish Jewish Community lost one of its philanthropists: Rafael Torel (1915-2016)
Known for his contributions to the community in almost every field, Rafael Torel, Honorary Advisor to Chief Rabbinate, a philanthropist who not only had an open mind, but also an open heart, passed away at the age of 101. Torel’s funeral was held at Ulus Jewish Cemetery on April 20.
Born in 1915, Rafael Torel was admired for his tenacity and diligence for most of his life. These qualities put Rafael Torel in charge of a factory with 3000 workers when he was only 20 years old. After a major fire, Torel’s factory was burnt to ground. Torel not succumbing to this catastrophe, founded Derby (shaving supplies manufacturer). In 1962, he became the Chairman of Or-Ahayim Hospital. In 2005, he helped open ‘Allegra Torel Geriatric Ward’ within the hospital facilities. In 2007, his autobiography “Miracles are Possible” was published by Gozlem Publishing.
Related Newsss ss
5 December
New Exhibition from the Museum of the Princes´ Islands
A new photography exhibition, "The Islands Were Here Before Bodrum, Marmaris Came Along!" is opened by the Museum of the Princes´ Islands, at the Historical Ferry Pier in Büyükada.
14 November
"Humor on the Margins: Cartoons in the Turkish Jewish Newspaper Şalom" by Rakel P. Meşulam
Rakel P. Meşulam signed her first book "Humor on the Margins: Cartoons in the Turkish Jewish Newspaper Şalom (1947-2016)" at Schneidertempel Arts Center.
7 November
The "Ottoman and Turkish Ketubbot" Exhibition
The Quincentennial Foundation Museum of Turkish Jews is opening an exhibition of Ketubbot (Jewish wedding contracts), some from forgotten corners of our homes, some as already discovered works of art, some from the walls of the collectors, some from the Chief Rabbinate Collection, on November 7th, at Schneidertempel Arts Center, after they have been cleaned and maintained.
24 October
Izzet Keribar´s "Journey of Colors" Exhibition at Istanbul Modern
Istanbul Modern, Turkey´s first modern and contemporary art museum, is preparing to host photography artist Izzet Keribar´s solo exhibition "Journey of Colors".
8 August
Kasadolu Draws Attention to the Increasing Hostility Towards Turkish Jews
The businessperson Doğan Kasadolu wrote a letter to AKP´s Ankara Member of Parliament Tuğrul Türkeş, drawing attention to the increasing anti-Semitism.
30 May
Annette Bat Mitzvah Club and Yoel Bar Mitzvah Club Year-End Ceremonies
The 2023-2024 "Collective Bat Mitzvah Ceremony" of the Annette Bat Mitzvah Club girls, founded in 2002 within the Chief Rabbinate of Turkey Education Commission (HEGKOM), was celebrated in the Neve Shalom Synagogue on Sunday, May 26th.
