"Combating Anti-Semitism in the OSCE Region" Tirana, Albania

On February 4-5, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) held a conference in Tirana, the capital of Albania, who took over the OSCE Chair in 2020, on the theme "Combating Anti-Semitism in the OSCE Region". The main topics covered by the conference were the official position of the OSCE member states in the fight against anti-Semitism, implemented measures and policies, as well as a working definition of anti-Semitism, safety, education and other aspects thereof.

As a representative of Baku International Multiculturalism Center, Rahim Rahimov participated in the conference as part of the Azerbaijani delegation. On February 3, he attended an official reception organized for the conference participants by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. Addressing the conference, R. Rahimov spoke about Jewish communities living in Azerbaijan and stated that the absence of anti-Semitism in Azerbaijan is confirmed by international reports. R. Rahimov noted that the approach of the Azerbaijani government to the issue of combating anti-Semitism is unique. Thus, Azerbaijan focuses not only on preventing manifestations of anti-Semitism, but also on factors that might contribute to its emergence. Using such a proactive approach, Azerbaijan promotes citizens of Jewish descent who played an important role and contributed to the country, including  personalities such as National Hero  of Azerbaijan Albert Agarunov. Thus, Azerbaijan promotes a sense of unity among Jews and other citizens of Azerbaijan. It is a result of this policy that the Jews in the synagogues of Azerbaijan and other places do not feel the need for police and other security forces. Although, one of the topics discussed at the conference was the need to appoint police and other law enforcement officers in synagogues and other places of residence of Jews in the world and countries of the OSCE region.

Moderator of the meeting, Michael Whine, Government and International Affairs Director at the Community Security Trust and a member of the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance, referring the speech of R.Rahimov, noted that such an approach to the fight against anti-Semitism demonstrates the moral leadership qualities of the Government of Azerbaijan.

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