New synagogue opens in Baku
BAKU – A new synagogue opened in Baku on Tuesday, with the head of Azerbaijan’s clerical body terming it as "a remarkable event."
Chairman of the State Committee on Religious Organizations, Hidayat Orujov, told the opening ceremony that construction of the shrine -- said to be the biggest synagogue in Baku -- was financed by the Azerbaijani government.
"One of the most important points of Azerbaijan’s policy is religious tolerance, and this policy will continue," Orujov said.
Head of Azerbaijan's Mountain Jews Community, Semyon Ikhiilov, said he was delighted with the opening of the new synagogue and thanked the president of Azerbaijan. "I want all nations to live in one family in Azerbaijan," he said.
Israeli Ambassador Michael Lavon-Lotem welcomed the synagogue opening two weeks ahead of the Pesach holiday, adding that it would be a major source of support for the country's Jewish community.
The opening ceremony was attended by US Ambassador Matthew Bryza and envoys from Israel and Turkey, among others.
Five synagogues are active in Azerbaijan, including three in the capital Baku.
More than 30,000 Jews live in the predominantly Muslim country of 9 million people.
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