Rabbi Weinblatt: Azerbaijan proves Muslims and Jews can thrive together

Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt, president of the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition, led a delegation on a visit to Azerbaijan aimed at strengthening Jewish unity and fostering ties between the State of Israel, global Jewish communities, and Azerbaijan, STMEGI reports.

According to Rabbi Weinblatt, the mission sought to observe firsthand the state of Azerbaijan-Israel relations, express gratitude for the warm reception, and underscore the importance of deepening dialogue between peoples.

“For many of us, this was our first visit to Azerbaijan, and we didn't know what to expect. But we were genuinely impressed by the cleanliness of the city, the lack of crime, and how respectfully the Jewish community is treated here,” he said.

During the visit, the delegation toured all three synagogues in Baku — the Mountain Jews, Sephardic, and Ashkenazi — as well as Jewish School No. 46 and other educational institutions, learning about local cultural and educational activities. The trip to Krasnaya Sloboda, a unique settlement with an entirely Jewish population outside Israel, made a particularly strong impression.

“We were delighted with the Mountain Jews Museum, which tells the story of the Jewish community of Azerbaijan in a profound and touching way. We also learned that the famous Israeli performers Jaffa Yarkoni and Omer Adam have Azerbaijani roots — a vivid example of the cultural connection between our peoples,” Weinblatt added.

The delegation also visited a kosher restaurant, noting the high level of service and hospitality, and emphasised that Azerbaijan is setting an example of how a Muslim-majority country can maintain friendly relations with Israel while ensuring a safe environment for Jewish life.

“We left with a deep sense of respect and gratitude. Azerbaijan has shown the world that multiculturalism and religious tolerance are not just slogans, but a reality in which people live in peace and mutual understanding,” Rabbi Stuart Weinblatt concluded.

By Tamilla Hasanova