ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

“I sincerely congratulate you on the occasion of Rosh Hashanah and extend my best wishes,” the Azeri head of state wrote.

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev on Monday extended his greetings and well wishes to the country’s Jewish community on the eve of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah.
“I sincerely congratulate you on the occasion of Rosh Hashanah and extend my best wishes,” the Azeri head of state wrote. “The Jewish community holds a special place in Azerbaijan, a country historically distinguished by traditions of tolerance and a culture of coexistence.”
Aliyev went on to state that Jews played a vital part in society and have, for hundreds of years, coexisted peacefully with the various peoples and religions in Azerbaijan, adding that his country was among the few that did not struggle with problems of antisemitism and other religious bigotries.

Cultural diversity 'among the core goals of our national policy'
“Preserving cultural diversity, fostering the language and traditions of ethnic minorities, and promoting multicultural values are among the core goals of our national policy,” Aliyev wrote. “Rosh Hashanah is a symbol of renewal, spiritual purity, kindness, and solidarity. On this festive day, I once again extend my greetings to each of you, wishing happiness to your families and abundance to your homes.”

Azerbaijan is set to host the Conference of European Rabbis this November.