As tensions in the Middle East continue and threats from Tehran intensify, the Jewish community in Baku marked Holocaust Remembrance Day earlier this week with a ceremony that included references to ties with Israel and current regional developments, according to participants.
The event included prayers and community gatherings and focused on the story of more than 55,000 Jews who fled Nazi persecution during World War II and found refuge in Azerbaijan, according to the local community.
Rabbi Zamir Isayev, chief rabbi of the Sephardic community in Baku, said Azerbaijan had served as a place of refuge during the war.
“In those dark days, when much of the world stood by, the Azerbaijani people opened both their homes and their hearts,” Isayev said. “Fifty-five thousand of our brothers and sisters were saved thanks to local residents who shared what little they had.”
He added that this historical experience continues to shape ties between Azerbaijan and Israel. Addressing current tensions, Isayev said Iran poses a threat not only to Israel but also to regional stability and to Azerbaijan.
“We face an enemy that shares the same ideology as those who persecuted Jews in the past,” he said. “Just as we survived the Holocaust, we will stand firm against those who seek to harm us.”
He also referred to faith as a source of strength, saying those who seek to spread violence and terror would ultimately fail.
Azerbaijani textbooks formally define antisemitism, recognize Israel as Jewish state
Isayev noted that Azerbaijani school textbooks include, according to him, a formal definition of antisemitism and recognition of the Holocaust as the genocide of six million Jews. He said Israel is also presented as a legitimate Jewish state.
“Commemorating the Holocaust today is also a call for vigilance,” he said. “’Never Again’ is not just a slogan, but a commitment.”