Chief Rabbi: Jewish nationals have equal rights with Azerbaijanis

Azerbaijan, Baku, March 11 / Trend S.Agayeva /

All Jewish nationals residing in Azerbaijan have equal rights with the Azerbaijanis, who are protected by the authorities, Chief Rabbi of the Community of European Jews Shneov Segal said.

He said there is no other country in the world where all nationalities live as freely and peacefully, as in Azerbaijan.

"We actually live well. I am an Israeli citizen, I live in Azerbaijan for already three years and everywhere I feel comfortable. The attitude towards Jews in the country is very good," Segal told Trend on Thursday.

"I always wondered, when some rabbis from other Muslim countries told me about their problems during our meetings. Many of them go to those countries with fear, dressed in informal clothes. I walk the streets the same as in the synagogue - in religious clothing," Segal said.

He said the government is always attentive to the community affairs.

"Every year during the holidays the Azerbaijani government helps us to bring matzo and some kosher products into the country, exempting us from all customs duties," Segal said.

He said when talking with the Azerbaijani born Jews, he was certain that many of them would want to return back.

"Every time when I talk to them and they know that I am from Baku, their eyes blaze. And when I ask, "If you had the opportunity to return to Baku, would you return back?", They always answer that they would do it with pleasure. Some families have already returned to Baku. This is an indication of the tolerance in the country," Segal said.