Jordanian and Turkish Airlines Bow to “Anti-Normalization” — Pull Out of Israel-based Conference

Opponents of normalizing relations between Israel and the Arab world were able to convince Royal Jordanian Airlines and Turkish Air to withdraw their sponsorship of the International Tourism Summit scheduled to be held in Jerusalem this week. Extreme pressure was exerted on the two carriers after posters for the event began to appear with their logos displayed alongside that of the Israel Ministry of Tourism and the Jerusalem Municipality. The Israeli ministry tried to cover for the two airlines by issuing a statement indicating the sponsorships “were not executed” citing “tight schedules” but failed to explain how scheduling might be an issue for fulfilling the promise of a grant worth about $8,000. Opponents of normalization with the Jewish state continue to strengthen throughout the region.