The Jerusalem Post: Baku Sephardic chief rabbi visits Knesset

Published: 2026-02-05 07:11

"Rabbi Zamir Isayev, the Sephardic chief rabbi of Azerbaijan, visited Israel this week as part of events marking the Knesset’s anniversary, which fell on Tu Bishvat, the date of the inaugural sitting of Israel’s first Knesset. During the visit, Isayev held meetings with former minister Yoav Ben-Tzur and lawmakers Moshe Gafni, Uri Maklev, Yosef Taieb, Avi Maoz, Yonatan Meshariki and Moshe Abutbul. According to participants in the meetings, Isayev emphasized that relations with Israel are viewed in Baku as a strategic asset and a long-term commitment, with particular emphasis on the security of the Jewish community and shared interests in addressing regional challenges," The Jerusalem Post reported.

"Isayev also highlighted the sense of personal security as a central element of the relationship. He said that unlike in some European cities, where Israelis are increasingly cautious, in Baku it is possible to speak Hebrew openly and display Jewish symbols without fear... Officials at the Knesset said the visit was seen as part of an effort to maintain a stable channel with a regional partner that emphasizes religious tolerance and cooperation, at a time when many other relationships in the region are being reassessed," the newspaper added.

By Azerbaijani-Israeli Alliance Global News