03/02/2023
In April we will publish our inaugural non-fiction chapbook. This chapbook will be about Jewish life in Turkey.
When Liza Cemel signed on to be the author of this chapbook, it was January 2023. We knew that her personal background, her writing and Jewish experiences, and her passion, would lead to a great book.
We could not have imagined that a few weeks later, in early February, devastating earthquakes would strike Turkey, killing over 43,566 individuals, collapsing over 156,000 buildings, injuring many, many people, and forcing the evacuation of citizens from their birthplaces.
Antakya, one Turkish city left in ruins after the earthquakes, is the hometown of our author. Until recently, the city was home to a 2,500-year-old Jewish community. The president of the Jewish Community of Antakya, and his wife, were tragically killed in the earthquakes.
Now, it is more important than ever that we publish this chapbook and keep alive the memory of a historic Jewish community in Antakya and learn about a still thriving Jewish community in Turkey. This was always going to be a chapbook about Jewish Turkey, but now, it takes on a new meaning. We are so grateful to Liza for working with us to bring this book to you, during such a difficult time.
All proceeds from the chapbook, beyond the production costs, will be donated to Turkish relief funds. More specific information to come.
