Leaders of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress and the World Jewish Congress met with the President of Azerbaijan

A delegation from the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) and the World Jewish Congress (WJC), headed by EAJC President Mikhael Mirilashvili, has visited Azerbaijan. The delegation also included WJC CEO and Executive Vice President Robert Singer, EAJC Chairman of the Board Aaron Frenkel, EAJC First Vice President Temuraz Khikhinashvili (Ben-Yehuda), EAJC Director General Dr. Haim Ben Yakov, EAJC Treasurer Menachem Bushuev, and Chief Rabbi of Russia and Head of the Rabbinical Council of the CIS Berl Lazar.

The Jewish leaders met with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. President Aliyev recalled the traditionally warm relations of friendship and mutual support between the Jewish and Azerbaijani peoples, noting that many Jewish refugees found safe haven in Azerbaijan during the Second World War. Today, three Jewish communities operate in Azerbaijan, representing the Ashkenazic, Georgian, and Mountain Jewish traditions.

EAJC President Mikhael Mirilashvili highlighted the strong bilateral relations between Israel and Azerbaijan. During the discussions, the opening of Azerbaijan's embassy in Israel was addressed; President Aliyev stated that the matter is currently under consideration by Azerbaijani authorities. Mr. Mirilashvili noted that Israelis and the Jewish diaspora are highly prepared to support collaborative projects with Azerbaijani partners, particularly in the fields of agriculture and medicine.

Chief Rabbi of Russia and Head of the Rabbinical Council of the CIS Berl Lazar noted the flourishing of Jewish life in Azerbaijan, pointing to the successful operation of the Jewish school and the construction of a new mikveh (ritual bath).

The delegation further included Rabbi Shneor Segal, Chairman of the Community of European Jews of Azerbaijan Alexander Sharovsky, Deputy Chairman of the Community Evgeny Brenneysen, and Political Advisor to the WJC CEO Itai Hacham. The delegation visited the Jewish school, where they met with representatives of the Baku Jewish community and local students.

A significant milestone of the visit was the opening of Baku's first kosher restaurant, representing a symbol of the peaceful coexistence and amicable relations between the Jewish community and other peoples of Azerbaijan.