“ Today we are not only celebrating the 68th anniversary of the independence of the State of Israel, we are also celebrating the anniversary of the friendship between Turkey and Israel.” These significant words belong to deputy Governor of Istanbul, Ismail Gultekin. Last Monday, the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul held an elegant reception in Istanbul, for the 68 th anniversary of Israel’s independence. Gultekin’s speech in this event demonstrated how imminent the normalization of the relationship between Turkey and Israel and how willing Turkey is. Israeli Consul General Shai Cohen’s speech also included similar cordial messages. Cohen said that despite issues regarding diplomatic relations, the assistance offered by Turkey to Israel after the terror attack on March 19 on Istiklal Avenue which killed three Israeli citizens, demonstrated how profound the cooperation between the two countries is. He also emphasized that there is a positive atmosphere for the normalization ...