October 7, 1999

To the Editor:

Regarding the article, "Berlin Jewish Cemetery Desecrated; Neo-Nazis Suspected" (Oct.5, 1999), the Times rightfully condemns the attack against Jews in Germany, a country responsible for their near extermination. The attack in Germany finds much symmetry with the desecration of a Greek Orthodox cemetery in Istanbul two months ago, the second such attack in less than two years.

Whereas Germany's neo-Nazis have spawned various attacks on Jewish and foreign targets, Turkish extremist groups such as the "Islamic Great East Raiders Front", "Hezbollah" and the "Grey Wolves" have targeted Turkey's last remaining Christians who are themselves viewed as foreigners, even though these Greek, Armenian and Assyrian Christians lived there long before the Turkish conquest of the area.

However, the neo-Fascist National Action Party, now elevated to a full partner in Turkey's ruling coalition, gives these groups the political legitimacy they formerly lacked. Not surprisingly, they view themselves as heirs to the same racially inspired, ultra-nationalist ideology which also animates Germany's neo-Nazis.

Very truly yours,

Theodore G. Karakostas
Associate
American Hellenic Media Project
PO Box 1150
New York, NY 10028-0008
ahmp@hri.org
www.ahmp.org