Jale Özer, chair of the Atatürk Society UK , issued a New Year’s message with a message of “Let’s Protect Our Republic” as the nation steps into 2025.
The message reflects on the challenges of the past year and calls for unity and resilience:”2024 has shown us that 2025 will be an even more challenging year. We are witnessing a period where democracy and freedoms are increasingly restricted, justice is disregarded, and violence, abuse, and deaths targeting women, children, and even infants are at an all-time high. Attacks against the founder of our Republic and its achievements have escalated, with efforts to expel officers who declare themselves as ‘Soldiers of Mustafa Kemal’ and calls for a theocratic regime becoming louder.
“We have seen our education system being distanced from secular foundations through protocols with religious sects; intellectuals, artists, and young people seeking their future abroad; poverty deepening while a small group grows wealthier; and an increasing number of patriots being imprisoned simply for opposing the status quo.
“Our country has been turned into a haven for refugees due to foreign policies far removed from Atatürk’s principle of ‘Peace at Home, Peace in the World,’ and imperialist schemes. Despite all these negatives, we may be unhappy as a nation, but we are never hopeless. As our Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk said, ‘There are no hopeless situations, only hopeless people.’ And he also stated, ‘The nation’s independence will be saved by the nation’s determination and resolve.’
“If we want a future filled with hope, we must learn from our history and act with the awareness of citizenship, embracing Atatürk’s principles and ideals. The light will undoubtedly emerge from these efforts. With this consciousness, we call on all patriots to unite their strength within the framework of Atatürk’s roadmap of enlightenment, full independence, and anti-imperialism.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to all members and friends who have supported our association. May 2025 bring hope, love, peace, awakening, and revival for our Republic and the independence of our nation.”
