Azerbaijan chief rabbi asks Knesset to reconsider recognition of Armenian Genocide – exclusive

Rabbi Shneur Segal, Chief Rabbi of the Ashkenazi Jewish Community of Azerbaijan, has urged the Knesset to reconsider recognizing the Armenian Genocide, citing potential negative impacts on the local Jewish community. In a letter to Likud MK Ofir Katz, Segal emphasized the security and respect Jews experience in Azerbaijan, stating, "At a time when Jews in many countries around the world are afraid to walk openly with visible Jewish symbols, here we are able to walk through the streets of Baku wearing a kippah, safely and without fear." He highlighted Azerbaijan's strong alliance with Turkey, which rejects the genocide label, and the ongoing conflict with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh. Segal noted the issue is "sensitive" for Azerbaijanis and that many in the Jewish community feel "discomfort regarding this decision," asking the Knesset to consider their voice to maintain strong Israel-Azerbaijan relations.