Prominent Rabbis Appeal to Trump: Include Azerbaijan in Abraham Accords

“Countries that joined the Abraham Accords received positive incentives and benefits in return for making peace with Israel. In contrast, Azerbaijan became a particularly reliable partner and true friend of Israel three decades ago, without any external influence,” the rabbis write. “Repealing Section 907 would be a very good gesture of recognition.”

Rabbi Marvin Hier, who spoke at Trump’s inauguration ceremony in 2017, was selected by Newsweek magazine as America’s most influential rabbi. He served as a mediator in talks between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and King Hussein of Jordan, and notes that including Azerbaijan in the agreements “will strengthen the importance of the Accords and demonstrate that alliances based on mutual respect and cooperation can flourish, regardless of religious or political differences.”

Rabbi Dr. Eli Abadi emphasized in the letter that Azerbaijan’s strategic importance as a central energy supplier to Israel and an important bridge between East and West. “This country became a particularly reliable partner and true friend of Israel, a key strategic ally of the United States, three decades ago without any external influence, and has supported Israel in every situation — even in the face of ongoing opposition and pressure from the Muslim world,” the letter read.

The rabbis added that as a secular state with a Shi’ite Muslim majority, Azerbaijan presents a unique and exceptional example in the Muslim world of how different religions and cultures can work together in harmony.

‘A Significant Turning Point’

The Jewish community in the country “lives and thrives because respect and brotherhood toward Jews are an integral part of the local tradition,” as emphasized by Azerbaijan’s President, Ilham Aliyev. In their letter, the rabbis note that “Your policy and vision, Mr. President, are leading to revolutionary changes in the Middle East, while protecting the State of Israel, a key US ally, and promoting stability, peace and economic prosperity. During your first term, you made the Abraham Accords a reality, and now you intend to expand and strengthen them by adding more countries. We strongly believe that including Azerbaijan — a pillar in Israel’s regional security and a proven loyal ally — will strengthen the importance of the Accords and help establish a more stable regional peace in the broader Middle East.”