Israeli rabbis write letter to Trump for Azerbaijan: Emphasis on 'strategic bridge'

Leading Israeli rabbis have sent a letter to US President Donald Trump calling for Azerbaijan to be included in the Abraham Accords. This initiative could significantly enhance Azerbaijan's military and commercial relations with Israel and the US.

Among the signatories of the letter are Rabbi Marvin Hier, founder of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, and Rabbi Eli Abadi, a senior rabbi serving in the United Arab Emirates. Abadi maintains a close friendship with Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Additionally, Rabbi Aryeh Ralbag, head of the rabbinical court of the Rabbinical Alliance of America and Canada, was also among those supporting the initiative.

In their letter, the rabbis emphasized that Azerbaijan is one of Israel's most reliable Muslim strategic partners and should be supported as a key US ally in the Middle East. The letter highlighted the importance of Azerbaijan receiving incentives and political support from the US, similar to other countries that have joined the Abraham Accords.

AZERBAIJAN-ISRAEL RELATIONS

While Azerbaijan has been increasing its commercial ties with Israel, it remains subject to US sanctions under Section 907. The rabbis stated that Azerbaijan has maintained friendly relations with Israel for a long time and that the repeal of Section 907 would be an important step toward recognizing this friendship.

Rabbi Marvin Hier stated that including Azerbaijan in the accords would strengthen the significance of the Abraham Accords and that 'alliances based on mutual respect and cooperation can flourish, regardless of religious or political differences.' Rabbi Eli Abadi noted that Azerbaijan is one of Israel's most important energy suppliers and serves as a 'strategic bridge.'

The letter also reported that Azerbaijan 'offers a unique example among Shia-majority Muslim societies as a secular state' and that the Jewish community in the country lives in prosperity. It was noted that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has stated that respect and brotherhood toward Jews are part of the local tradition.

News Source: 12punto