Turkish foundation hosts ‘Jerusalem Short Film Contest’

By Ayse Humeyra Bulovali

ISTANBUL

A Turkish foundation Wednesday night rewarded students who participated in the "Jerusalem Short Film Contest" in Istanbul.

The award ceremony was hosted by the Onder Imam Hatipliler Foundation at Istanbul Kiz Anadolu Imam Hatip High School.

“We have set out with the slogan ‘Jerusalem has an owner’ and we really believe this. There is no need to worry, there are things that bother us, but we believe that the Jerusalem issue is a long march and it will be completed with success and victory,” said Halit Bekiroglu, chairman of the foundation, at the ceremony.

Students at junior high, high school, and university level participated in the contest in separate categories.

Ten students were awarded a trip to Jerusalem.

On Dec. 6, U.S. President Donald Trump officially recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, triggering world outcry and protests across the Palestinian territories.

Jerusalem remains at the heart of the Middle East conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem -- occupied by Israel since 1967 -- might eventually serve as the capital of a Palestinian state.