Bob Blackman MP, Officer of CFI and Chairman of the APPG for Azerbaijan, took time out to visit a synagogue in central Baku whilst leading a delegation of British Parliamentarians to Azerbaijan.
The nation, which is 95% Muslim, has historically embraced Western values of liberal democracy, gender equality and diversity, to the degree that the State has funded the building of a synagogue to cater to its population of Caucasus ‘Mountain’ Jews, who are descended from the Persian Jews of Iran.
Mr Blackman, along with fellow delegation member and CFI Officer, Matthew Offord MP, were honoured to be hosted at the synagogue by Yevdayev Milax Ilxanonovic, the Leader of the Mountain Jews in Azerbaijan, and to also meet with Rabbi Abraham.
The largely secular nation of Azerbaijan considers itself an ally of Israel and a friend to Jews around the world. Mr Blackman has been pleased to be able to discuss ties between the UK, Azerbaijan and friendly allies including Israel with senior politicians including the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, Mr Elmar Mammadyarov.
