Ahead of Rosh Hashanah, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev congratulated the Jewish people and wished them a happy holiday.
By Rachel Avraham
According to a recent letter published on the website of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s President congratulated the Jewish people ahead of Rosh Hashanah and extended his warming wishes to the Jewish people worldwide: “The Jewish community holds a special place in Azerbaijan, where progressive traditions of tolerance and a rich culture of coexistence have historically prevailed. Jews, who are an integral part of our society today, have for centuries lived side by side with representatives of other peoples and faiths in an atmosphere of peace, mutual respect, and trust.”
The Azerbaijani President added, “In today’s world, Azerbaijan stands as one of the few places free from antisemitism, xenophobia, and ethno-religious intolerance. Preserving cultural diversity, developing the language and culture of ethnic minorities, and promoting multicultural values are among the priority directions of state policy in Azerbaijan.”
According to Azerbaijan’s President, “Our citizens of Jewish origin actively participate in all spheres of public and political life, making a valuable contribution to the further strengthening of national and spiritual solidarity in society, as well as to conveying the realities of Azerbaijan to the international community.”
Azerbaijan’s President Aliyev concluded, “Rosh Hashanah is a symbol of renewal, spiritual purity, kindness, and solidarity. On this remarkable day, I once again congratulate each of you on the holiday and wish happiness to your families and prosperity to your homes. Happy holiday!”
The President’s greeting coincides with preparations for the Conference of European Rabbis to be held in Baku in November, an unprecedented event in which 500 rabbis and spiritual leaders from all over the continent are expected to participate, Arutz Sheva reported.
According to Arutz Sheva, Jewish cultural and religious events in European capitals frequently demand high security or are canceled entirely as a result of rising antisemitism and security threats. Against this backdrop, Azerbaijan’s willingness to host such a large-scale Jewish gathering strikes a completely different note, Arutz Sheva noted. For Azerbaijan, which has one of the world’s oldest Jewish communities, the decision reflects a long heritage of coexistence rather than hesitancy, Arutz Sheva added.
Rabbi Zamir Isayev, head of the Sephardic community in Baku, said ahead of the event: “Israel and Jewish communities around the world must embrace Azerbaijan and support the path it has chosen. We are witnessing a historic rapprochement between Baku and Washington, alongside peace and economic initiatives led by President Aliyev. These developments prove that Azerbaijan is not only a reliable partner, but also a state standing by its tradition and sovereign path in the face of external pressures.”
According to him, “President Aliyev has reiterated that respect for Jews is a way of life for Azerbaijanis. In a world where true friendship is a rare resource, Azerbaijan has proven that its friendship with the Jewish people and with Israel is genuine and enduring. Such a bond is precious, and it is our duty to preserve it and strengthen it.”
Photo form President.az: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilham_Aliyev#/media/File:Ilham_Aliyev_2024_(%C4%B0lham_%C6%8Fliyevin)_(cropped).jpg
