Jewish community holds steadfast hopes for significant achievements of Azerbaijani Army Rabbi Shneor Segal talks to The Jerusalem Post

As Azerbaijan undertakes local anti-terrorist operations in the Garabagh region, Rabbi Shneor Segal, the chief rabbi of Azerbaijan’s Ashkenazi community, told The Jerusalem Post the situation in the country is very stable.

“We are praying for the young people from our community who serve in the Azerbaijani army,” Segal said on September 19. “We are deeply concerned and pray for their success, just like every other citizen here in Azerbaijan.”

“The Jewish community feels an intrinsic connection to this land, and we hold steadfast hopes for significant achievements [of our army],” he said. “In truth, there is nothing inherently distinct about the Jewish experience here; like all residents, we share the same concerns, cares, and challenges.”

Azerbaijan maintains a close strategic partnership with Israel, a dynamic that adds complexity to the regional landscape. Foreign Minister Eli Cohen’s visit to Baku earlier this year underscored the significance of the relationship.

Azerbaijani Jewish community remains unwavering in its commitment to nurturing Jewish life in the region, Segal said. Recent events, such as Rosh Hashanah celebrations in six modern synagogues across Azerbaijan, serve as poignant examples of their steadfast dedication, he added.

In areas outside Baku, which have been affected by military operations, painstaking efforts are underway to restore what was destroyed during decades of conflict, Segal said, adding that the lingering threat of land mines and cluster bombs presents formidable challenges.

“With nearly 25,000 Jews in Azerbaijan, our vibrant community continues to enrich the diverse tapestry of Azerbaijani society, even amid regional security challenges,” Segal said. “In times like these, it is essential to stand together and uphold the values that bind us as a community.”