This year we celebrate Rosh Hashanah amidst an unprecedented era of uncertainty. Yet it is also an unprecedented time for hope. Just last week we saw the State of Israel sign treaties of normalization with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, a significant moment for the future of peace in the Middle East. As a Jew, having lived my entire life in a majority-Muslim nation, in total peace, prosperity, equality and inclusion, I have enormous hopes for this historic occasion, that it will be far more than a moment that we celebrate; that we will still witness a profound and lasting shift in the global tensions surrounding Israel and how Muslim nations relate to Israel.
UAE and Bahrain only stand to gain in this relationship, to show to their nations and to the world that is watching how the simple belief in respect, appreciation and celebration of diversity can not only alleviate substantial tensions, but can also contribute immensely to the society of any nation.
I know this because I have seen the fruits of interfaith harmony here in Azerbaijan, a nation that has celebrated multifaith and multiethnic diversity for centuries; a majority-Muslim nation that is the haven and heartland to Jews from around the world, as well as Christians of nearly every denomination, Baha’is, Hare Krishnas and others. Diversity has only benefited Azerbaijan. Our scholars, leaders, artists, championed athletes and politicians represent members of our diverse community, and our successes in technology, academia, women’s rights and global diplomacy have all been supported and realized by the collective effort of the diverse people that make up our nation.
Last year, a statue was unveiled in our capital city Baku to Albert Agarunov, Azerbaijan’s National Hero. Albert was a skillful and courageous tank commander, and one of the most heroic soldiers fighting for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan in the early 1990s. Albert was also Jewish, a proud member of our Mountain Jewish community. Here in this majority-Muslim nation of Azerbaijan, one of the most celebrated heros, awarded the highest honor possible in Azerbaijan and with statues and even a street in Baku named to celebrate his life – was a Jewish man, who voluntarily enlisted in the army, and was killed in battle defending his nation.
Last week President Ilham Aliyev opened a new building of a school named after Albert Agarunov. It is the school where Albert was educated. Now it is named after him.
This is far from the first time our government has recognized the Jewish community. The Republic of Azerbaijan has been helping the Jewish community for much longer than I can remember. Today, we have incomparably beautiful synagogues, a Yeshiva, schools and kindergartens, cultural centers, various community organizations, and more. Our national commitment toward inclusivity and respect has resulted in Azerbaijan being one of the safest places in the world for a Jew to live, a nation that is known to be an Oasis of Peace.
In cadence with our values and the leadership behind them, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev sent a letter of congratulations to the Jewish community of Azerbaijan, in celebration of Rosh Hashanah. In this letter, President Aliyev captures so much of what is paramount to our nation and values:
“Dear Fellow Countrymen,
I cordially congratulate you on the New Year Holiday of the Jewish people – Rosh Hashanah – and extend my best regards and sincerest wishes to each of you.
Jews, along with representatives of various ethnic and religious groups, have for centuries lived in Azerbaijan, a country with rich historical and cultural heritage and centuries-old traditions of tolerance, in peace, tranquility, mutual respect and trust. Azerbaijan is one of the few places where ethnic and religious intolerance, xenophobia and antisemitism do not exist.
The state of Azerbaijan, which attaches great importance to coexistence based on democratic and constitutional principles, promotion of high tolerance and multicultural values, pays a great deal of attention and care to the preservation of cultural and spiritual values, development of language and culture of all ethnic minorities, including the Jewish community.
It is commendable that our compatriots of Jewish origin, who are actively involved in the socio-political, socio-cultural life of our country, always demonstrate their love and loyalty to Azerbaijan, making significant contributions to communicating the truth about Azerbaijan to the world community, regardless of where they live.
Dear Friends,
On the occasion of Rosh Hashanah, which epitomizes kindness, spiritual revival and renewal, I once again extend my sincere congratulations to all of you and wish prosperity to your families and abundance to your homes. Happy Holiday!
Ilham Aliyev
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Baku, 16 September 2020”
Much of the last Jewish year of 5780 has surely been rife with much tragedy and uncertainty, as COVID-19 continues its merciless path. Yet with so much good taking place in the world, we share a force of hope and a belief that this world can and will be a better place, for all people, and that we will overcome the trials we face today. In these sacred days of awe, I am so pleased to share this letter with all of you, from the words of our President, and to wish all my brothers and sisters in Jewish communities across the world, from my home in Baku to you, Shanah Tovah U’metukah. May this year bring to us only blessings.
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