For more than 500 years, Turkey has been a refuge for Jews fleeing persecution in other countries. With the rise of the Ottoman Empire in the 14th century, Jews benefited from a standard of religious tolerance unique in European history. The Ottomans welcomed Jewish refugees from Spain and Italy throughout the Inquisition. Over time, these Sephardic Jews established a strong middle class, with some achieving prestigious positions as court physicians and diplomats. Following World War I, the Turkish Republic was formed and a secular constitution adopted. The Turkish government again championed Jews during World War II, interceding on behalf of Turkish Jews living in Nazi-occupied countries. It is estimated that Turkish diplomatic representatives succeeded in rescuing more than 3,000 Jews slated for deportation to Nazi concentration camps.

The Turkish economy has declined sharply over the past few years, with high inflation and unemployment rates and the failure of more than 35,000 businesses. The Jewish community has been greatly affected by this crisis, and its members have continued to lose jobs and businesses. With no government social safety net, many community members now have no source of income and find themselves unable to fulfill their communal obligations.

This has left vital Jewish community institutions - normally funded by donations from community members - struggling to cover their operating costs.

2006