Top religion official steps in to soothe concerns of Turkish Jews

"Do not say even a single word that might somehow provoke people, although you may speak with good intentions," the mufti of Istanbul, Mustafa Cagrici, said in a note to imams in the city.

Turkey is among the countries who directed the harshest criticism against Israel over its Gaza operations which killed more than 1,300 people. Hundreds of thousands of people attended anti-Israel demonstrations as Turkey’s Jewish community raised concerns over the growing tension.

"In your sermons, make the necessary remarks to urge people not to disturb or harass our Jewish citizens," Cagrici added in the notice, Hurriyet reported.

Around 23,000 Jews live in Turkey, a majority Muslim country which has historically close ties with Jews and Israel.

Hurriyet said the leader of Turkey’s Jewish Community, Silvyo Ovadya, paid a visit to Cagrici to express their growing uneasiness over the anti-Israel demonstrations.

Ovadya later had a phone conversation with Ali Bardakoglu, the head of the Turkish Religious Affairs Directorate, the report added.

Bardakoglu pledged him to "do their best to prevent the reactions in society over the Gaza operations to be tended at the Jewish community" and prepare a sermon for a Friday prayer aimed at addressing the uneasiness felt by the Jewish community.