The Palestinian Issue

SUMMARY

The chapter evaluates the views on the Palestinian issue according to socio-demographic clusters in Turkey. It also examines the extent to which the calls for boycotts around the Palestinian issue are responded to:

• Which of the following best describes the Palestinian issue?
  
• To what extent do you feel close to the Palestinians?
  
• How much do you think Palestinian gains or losses affect your life?
  
• Arabs are responsible for most of the world's wars.
  
• Jews are responsible for most of the wars in the world.
  
• Have you ever boycotted a brand for any political reason? Which brand?
  

Turkish society feels an affinity for the Palestinian people regarding the Palestinian issue, it also largely resorts to brand boycotting behavior for political reasons. Lifestyles and the level of religiosity play a significant role in perspectives on the Palestinian issue. Religiosity and conservatism form a pattern that transcends political preferences. The TV channels preferred for following the news also divide society regarding its view on the matter. While 3 out of every 5 people in society blame Jews for the wars, the general public perceives the issue ideologically and emotionally. 14 percent of the people define the products they boycott as "Israeli products".