Azerbaijan: Minister of Aliyah and Integration Held Special Visit Interrupted by Outbreak of War

This past weekend, a unique seminar was held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, by “Ofek Israeli,” a public organization operating on behalf of Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and The Jewish Agency, for all students of the Jewish schools in Azerbaijan, including students of the “Or Avner” educational network. Notable among the participants were Chabad emissary and rabbi of the Ashkenazi community in the city, Rabbi Shneor Segal, and Rabbi Shlomo Neman, Director of FJC’s educational programs – who brought a spiritual dimension to the seminar-Shabbaton.

The seminar-Shabbaton for the young students of the Jewish schools was initially intended to include participants from Georgia as well, but due to security constraints they were returned home and the seminar had to take place in their absence. Nevertheless, the atmosphere was uplifting and empowering.

The content was delivered by representatives of the “Hephzibah” project of the Ministry of Education and The Jewish Agency, together with Rabbi Shlomo Neman, Director of FJC’s educational programs, and Chabad’s chief emissary in Baku and rabbi of the Ashkenazi community in the city, Rabbi Shneor Segal, who led Torah classes tailored for the youth, prayers, and Shabbat meals.

Guest of honor Minister Ofir Sofer, Minister of Aliyah and Integration, attended and gave an emotional address, before having to return to Israel in a secret and complex operation following the outbreak of war. Despite the sudden eruption of conflict and the concern it caused among participants, the seminar continued as planned and was dedicated to the victory and security of the residents of the Land of Israel and all of the Jewish people everywhere.