A Memorable visit to Azerbaijan and Israel: And a Final Hankuah Note
I recently returned from a ten-day trip to Azerbaijan and Israel as part of a delegation of nine United States rabbis. We were welcomed by government officials and others as visiting dignitaries. The trip was organized by the The Zionist Rabbinic Coalition, an organization of rabbis committed to support for Israel, and I am on their leadership team.
In Azerbaijan, we met with the top U.S. envoy, Parliament members, and senior government ministers. We also had a session with Hikmet Hajiyev, the National Security Advisor and one of President Aliyev’s closest advisors. Additionally, the Foreign Relations Committee chairman presented and fielded questions on international affairs, including possible participation in the Abraham Accords and Azerbaijan’s United Nations voting record on Israel.
Why Azerbaijan?
Azerbaijan is the largest Shia-majority nation with full diplomatic ties to Israel. Though 95% Muslim, it maintains close relations with Israel. It is unique.
Israel provides technology, security cooperation, military expertise, and innovation. Azerbaijan supplies about 40% of Israel’s oil and continued the supply despite pressure from Muslim and Arab nations during the war with Hamas.
Throughout our visit, we witnessed a heartfelt appreciation for the long-standing Jewish history in Azerbaijan, mirrored by the country’s gratitude for Israel’s unwavering support. We repeatedly thanked Azerbaijan’s leaders for supporting Israel and the Jewish community. It was clear they took our words to heart.
The leaders of the Jewish community, Rabbi Zamir Isayev of the Sephardic Community and Rabbi Shenor Segal, who heads the Ashkenazi community, reinforced the feeling of comfort of the 10,000 Jews living in Baku, the nation’s capitol.
From Baku to Israel
Our delegation flew from the capital city of Baku to Israel (there are 21 weekly flights between the two countries). There we met with Knesset leaders, including those tasked by the government with public relations and combatting antisemitism. We visited Gaza border sites, including the Nova Festival and the Nahal Oz base. With an IDF officer’s clearance, we entered the base where IDF women observers and soldiers were murdered, brutalized or taken hostage. Despite tears and sadness, we felt uplifted by a young woman soldier as she shared her drive to defend Israel and, at the same time, seek peace.
Hanukah in Azerbaijan
On this final day of Hanukah, it seems fitting to share the words of Durdane Agayeva, who is not Jewish and who writes for the Jewish Journal. Some years ago, she wrote, “Hanukkah is such a special time of year. It is a reminder of so much, and although a Muslim it is not my holiday to celebrate, it is a special 8 days that I hold dear to my heart. For me the most powerful part of the Hanukkah story is the idea that with righteousness, courage and faith, something that seems small and powerless can actually become heroic and transcendent… Hanukkah is celebrated across the nation here in Azerbaijan, from the bustling streets of Baku to the all-Jewish Red Village in the Quba region, and the entire nation, made of Muslims, Orthodox Christians, Catholics, Protestants, Jews…. enjoy the tradition and festivities that come along with the holiday.”
Her article concludes, “I join my Jewish friends and neighbors in lighting the Menorah, enjoying latkes, sufganiyot and listening to the beautiful Hanukkah music. More than anything, I join you in this festival of lights and renew my commitment to continue doing all I can to bring light into the world.”
To her words, I add Amen.
Rabbi David Woznica