Jewish Education Program in Baku Public School Exceeds 100 Students

Over 100 students are now enrolled in a Jewish education program at Public School No. 46 in Baku, Azerbaijan, according to the local Jewish community. The program supplements the standard Azerbaijani curriculum with classes in Hebrew language, Jewish history, and traditions. Community officials report a steady increase in enrollment over recent years, suggesting the school may soon require more space.

The program, established in 2008, is led by Rabbi Zamir Isayev, who heads the Sephardic Jewish community in the capital. He views the milestone of 100 students as a testament to families' desire to pass on their heritage while remaining active members of Azerbaijani society.

Recently, community members gathered in a sukkah in Baku to celebrate the holiday of Sukkot and Rabbi Isayev's 45th birthday. The event was attended by government officials, including Ramin Mammadov, chairman of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations, who presented the rabbi with a congratulatory letter acknowledging the Sephardic community's contributions to Azerbaijan's social and cultural life.

Rabbi Isayev also engages in international diplomacy, participating in meetings in Jerusalem and Washington aimed at strengthening ties between Azerbaijan, Israel, and the United States. His primary focus, however, remains the growing educational program in Baku, where the rising student numbers present a practical challenge for future expansion.