Top Azerbaijani cleric hosts delegation of major US Jewish groups

On February 12, the Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board, Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, met with a delegation led by Betsy Berns Korn, Chair of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organisations, the press service of the Caucasus Muslims Board told local media.

It was noted that during the meeting, Korn expressed satisfaction at visiting the country at the head of a representative delegation.

Betsy Berns Korn stated that she was well aware of Azerbaijan’s extensive experience in interfaith cooperation, the atmosphere of tolerance prevailing in the country, and its multicultural values. She emphasised that she highly valued the opportunity to personally familiarise herself with Azerbaijan’s religious environment.

The guests noted that among the many meetings they were holding in the country, their discussion with the religious leader of Azerbaijan and the entire Caucasus held special significance. They asked the Sheikh-ul-Islam to elaborate on Azerbaijan’s model of tolerance and to share his views on how such a model could be implemented in other countries around the world.

Sheikh-ul-Islam A. Pashazade provided a detailed overview of the historical and contemporary aspects of Azerbaijan’s model of interreligious dialogue and cooperation. It was emphasised that tolerance — including ethnic and religious tolerance — as well as amicable interfaith relations, are a living reality in the country and an integral part of the daily life of the Azerbaijani people.

The head of the Caucasus Muslims Board stressed that the country’s religious communities always stand together in times of joy and sorrow and during the most critical moments for the homeland.

Recalling the 44-day Patriotic War, Sheikh-ul-Islam A. Pashazade noted that citizens of Azerbaijan, representing all religious denominations, united around the state, fought shoulder to shoulder for their native land, and became martyrs. He proudly stated that the memory of heroes — representatives of different religions and ethnic communities — lives in the heart of every Azerbaijani.

By Tamilla Hasanova