Rabbi rules out any problems with freedom of religion in Azerbaijan

Chief Rabbi of Ashkenazi Jews of Azerbaijan Shneor Segal has ruled out the existence of any problems with freedom of religion in Azerbaijan

“There are no problems with freedom of religion in Azerbaijan. Besides freedom, there is also support,” Chief Rabbi of Ashkenazi Jews of Azerbaijan Shneor Segal told Trend.

“I have lived in Azerbaijan for 13 years, wear religious clothing and have never felt fear or anxiety about it. I live upon all the laws of my religion. Azerbaijan has all the conditions for Jews,” he noted.

Shneor Segal noted that there is a Jewish community in Azerbaijan and there are synagogues. Not only freedom of religion is observed in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan renders support at the state level for the Jewish community to freely practice its religion.

“That is, no one hampers us. Besides freedom, we are supported. When we appeal to the Azerbaijani government, the Azerbaijani State Committee on Religious Associations, or any ministry regarding religious issues, the representatives of those organisations are always glad to help us, negotiate with us, listen to us and try to find a solution for the Jewish community of Azerbaijan to live according to all Jewish canons. They support and help us on all issues. These are the values of the Azerbaijani people, rather than only state policy,” he said.

Shneor Segal mentioned several examples of Azerbaijan’s tolerance and respect for religious rules.

“According to the Jewish law, Jewish cuisine is divided into two parts, namely, dairy and meat. There should be separate dishes and sinks for dairy and meat products. When I first rented an apartment in Baku, I told the owner about this. He immediately created all the conditions for me and didn’t even want to take money for it. This is a striking example of the attitude of the Azerbaijani people towards representatives of any religion. We, as Jews, feel this,” Chief Rabbi said.

“During the Sukkot holiday, we are free to build a hut where we live in Azerbaijan, while rabbis in other countries must go to the synagogue for this purpose. Besides the opportunity to fully celebrate this holiday according to all the rules, the Azerbaijani people also help us build a hut. Jews who were born in Azerbaijan can also confirm that it is comfortable for them to live in Azerbaijan,” he added.