Azerbaijan and Israel’s bond of solidarity grows stronger as Jews worldwide remember Khojaly massacre Bridge of hope built through shared tragedy and unity

The Israeli radio station, Israel National News – Arutz Sheva (Channel Seven), published a heartfelt article celebrating the solidarity between the Jewish people and Azerbaijan. Caliber.Az presents this powerful piece of reflection and togetherness to our readers.

Thousands of Jews across the world gathered in remembrance and prayer to mark the 33rd anniversary of the Khojaly massacre, holding ceremonies parallel to those in Israel. The tragic events of Khojaly and the suffering of southern Israeli communities have come to symbolize a shared pain, strengthening the diplomatic ties between Azerbaijan and Israel.

Dozens of Jewish communities of Azerbaijani descent, both in Israel and around the world, observed the memorial day for the Khojaly massacre — a horrific event during the First Karabakh War in which 613 Azerbaijani civilians were killed by Armenian forces. On the night of February 25 and 26, 1992, Armenian militants attacked the small Azerbaijani town of Khojaly, displacing thousands of civilians from their homes.

In Jewish communities worldwide, memorial candles were lit, prayers were recited, and emotional ceremonies took place to honour the victims of Khojaly. These events also highlighted the special bond between Azerbaijan and Israel, underscoring the shared pain from both the Khojaly massacre and the tragic events of October 7.

Rabbi Zamir Isayev, the Rabbi of the Sephardic community in Baku, drew a clear parallel between the two tragedies, stating, “The comparison between Khojaly and the massacre of Israelis in the Gaza envelope is very clear to Azerbaijanis. This is exactly why, when Azerbaijanis saw the atrocities of the terrorists on October 7, they came in droves to the Israeli embassy with flowers, flags, and toys to express solidarity.”

In a remarkable display of solidarity, Azerbaijan’s response to Israel's pain was exceptional, particularly when compared to other Muslim countries. 

At the Jewish school in Baku, led by Rabbi Isayev, a memorial ceremony was held to honour the 613 victims of the Khojaly massacre, while also remembering the victims of the October 7 attacks. Similarly, Azerbaijani descendants in Israel gathered for heartfelt ceremonies that emphasized the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations.

Adam Amilov, President of the international organization "AZIZ" – Azerbaijan Israel, who organized the memorial in Israel, stated, “In Khojaly and the Gaza border area, the terrorists tried to break the spirit of the people through brutal massacres, but they failed. These shared tragedies not only brought the nations closer but also strengthened diplomatic relations and mutual support on the international stage.”

Amilov further emphasized the unique role of Azerbaijani Jews in enhancing the relationship between the two countries, saying, “Azerbaijani Jews living in Israel play a special role in deepening the warm relations between the countries. Jews of Azerbaijani origin, who grew up in a culture of friendship and mutual respect, have become a living bridge between the two countries.”

“The shared pain of Azerbaijan and Israel has become a bridge of hope and unity between the two nations,” Amilov concluded. “The memory of the victims and Azerbaijan’s support for Israel strengthen the mutual bond between the countries and highlight the power of the human spirit in the face of terror and pain.”