European Rabbis Conference Canceled in Baku Over Security Threats

The Conference of European Rabbis' planned convention in Baku, Azerbaijan, scheduled for early November, has been canceled due to security concerns. The event, which was to be the first large-scale gathering of European rabbinical leaders in a Muslim country, aimed to promote interfaith dialogue, address the Abraham Accords, combat antisemitism, and foster cooperation across religious and cultural boundaries. High-profile attendees included Israeli Chief Rabbis David Yosef and Kalman Ber, as well as Israeli ministers Amichai Chikli and Amichai Eliyahu. The cancellation followed warnings from security agencies, including Mossad, citing threats linked to the event's proximity to the Iranian border and threatening social media posts from Azerbaijanis in Turkey and Iran. The cancellation also reflects broader diplomatic tensions surrounding Israel amid its ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has led to increased isolation and calls for boycotts. Organizers expressed gratitude to the Azerbaijani government and hope for future collaboration, though no new dates or locations have been announced yet.