The chief rabbi of Azerbaijan has written to the Knesset asking it not to advance recognition of the Armenian Genocide, saying it will affect the Jewish community.
Rabbi Shneur Segal, Chief Rabbi of the Ashkenazi Jewish Community of Azerbaijan, sent the letter to Ofir Katz, Chairman of the Likud Faction, on Monday following the Israeli government's vote on Sunday to formally recognize the Armenian Genocide.
"I am writing to you on behalf of the Jews of the city and the Jewish community, with a sincere request that you hear our voice and take it into consideration before advancing in the Knesset the recognition of what is referred to as the “Armenian Genocide," he wrote.
Rabbi Segal said the Jewish community forms an inseparable part of Azerbaijani society and, for generations, has enjoyed security, respect, and full religious freedom.
"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 said. "This reality demonstrates more than anything the depth of friendship and respect that the Azerbaijani people have for the Jewish people."
He added that, alongside this, his country's Jewish community is deeply connected to Israel, and most members have relatives there.
It is because of this deep connection between the Azerbaijani Jewish community and Israel that he felt propelled to write to the Knesset, he said.
Armenia-Azerbaijan dispute spans decades
The Armenia–Azerbaijan dispute is one of the longest-running conflicts in the post-Soviet world. The two countries have spent nearly 35 years fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh, a region internationally recognized as Azerbaijani territory but historically inhabited mainly by Armenians.
Prior to that was the event known by many as the Armenian Genocide: the systematic persecution, deportation, and mass killing of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire during World War I, beginning in 1915. Most scholars estimate the death toll at around 1 million to 1.5 million Armenians.
Azerbaijan's antipathy towards the recognition of this genocide stems more from modern geopolitical loyalty and regional alliances and less from historical debate.
Turkey - Azerbaijan’s strongest military and diplomatic ally - rejects the characterization of the 1915 events as genocide, and Azerbaijan does not wish to directly contradict Turkey’s official historical position.
Armenia is also viewed by many Azerbaijanis as the cause of much of their national trauma, especially due to the dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh. They therefore may view recognition as politically benefiting their adversary while harming a key ally.
Armenian Genocide is 'sensitive' to Azerbaijani people, rabbi says
"We do not seek to decide historical disputes, nor do we enter into questions that are left to the research of historians. However, we know very well how sensitive this issue is for the Azerbaijani people, and how much the decision taken in Israel has hurt people who see themselves as true friends of Israel and of the Jewish people."
While Rabbi Segal said he does not doubt that relations between Israel and Azerbaijan are strong and stable, he could nevertheless see the pain caused.
"Many members of the Jewish community living here also feel discomfort regarding this decision," he continued.
"We ask you, as members of the Knesset and as leaders of the public in Israel, to listen also to the voice of the Jewish community in Azerbaijan, and to do everything in your power not to advance recognition of this decision in the Knesset."
"We believe that listening to our voice will be an expression of responsibility, sensitivity, gratitude, and commitment to continuing to strengthen the deep friendship between Israel and the Republic of Azerbaijan."