Bridging Communities: National Young Leadership Cabinet Connects with Jewish Life in Azerbaijan

By Ronit Droker, Allie Hauser and AmandaLynn MacLeod

Local San Diego National Young Leadership (NYL) Cabinet members Allie Hauser, AmandaLynn MacLeod and Ronit Droker recently traveled with a US & Canadian NYL Cabinet delegation to Baku, Azerbaijan. This was a journey of discovery to learn about the influential work of Jewish Federation of North America (JFNA) and its partner agencies in a unique country categorized by a deep Jewish history and vibrant Jewish life in a predominantly Muslim nation.

The trip revealed a compelling narrative of coexistence. Azerbaijan, a majority-Muslim country with a rich mosaic of cultural traditions, is notable for its religious diversity. Despite Jews making up a tiny percentage of the population (<1%), the individuals served by Jewish agencies told a striking story of acceptance and an absence of antisemitism. Most citizens identify more with their cultural heritage than with religious orthodoxy, fostering an atmosphere of relative openness and dialogue in a region often marked by tension and division.

One of the highlights of the trip was visiting the synagogue in Baku, a vibrant center of Jewish life in the capital. There, participants partnered with the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) to assemble and distribute Passover kits for local Jewish families, strengthening ties with the community and supporting holiday observance in a meaningful, hands-on way. At the synagogue, Cabinet delegates also visited with participants in Chesed, a day program of JDC that serves elders of the Baku Jewish community. 

Federation Board member Allie Hauser reflected, “One of the most meaningful moments in the Study Mission for me was hearing the stories of the seniors we met with from Chesed, nearly all of whom had lived in Baku their entire lives. Despite the challenges and changes they’ve experienced over the past 80+ years, they shared an overwhelming message of hope and Jewish joy. As we held hands and danced and sang to Hebrew songs, I was overwhelmed by the connectedness and unity of the Jewish people across generations and geography.” 

The group also visited the city’s only Jewish day school, where they made matzah with students and learned firsthand about life as a Jewish child in Azerbaijan. The experience offered a touching look into how traditions are being passed down to the next generation, even in a small and distant community.

As a Federation Board and Israel & Overseas committee member, Ronit’s visit to Or Avner Jewish Day School was a highlight of her trip. “Connecting with the students at the Jewish Day School in Baku—many of whom are around the same age as my own children—was deeply meaningful to me. It was so important to see that even here, in this corner of the world, Jewish children have a way to stay connected to their heritage. Making matzah together was not only fun, but also a powerful reminder of our shared traditions. Celebrating holidays and practicing Jewish customs together is a testament to the strength of the Jewish community in Baku and its enduring connection to Israel.”

Equally impactful was the visit to the Red Village in Quba, the world’s only all-Jewish settlement outside of Israel and the United States. Home to the Mountain Jews, whose presence in the Caucasus dates back 1,209 years, the village stands as a living testament to Jewish endurance and cultural preservation. Community members shared stories of resilience and faith, highlighting how this unique population has maintained its traditions despite centuries of political and social change.

Participants also engaged with local leaders and members of the Chabad community, which serves as the cornerstone of Jewish life in Baku. While some Azerbaijani Jews are considering Aliyah and a new chapter in Israel, many continue to find meaning and connection in their homeland.

This trip also served as a unique opportunity to explore Israel’s important security and trade partnerships with Azerbaijan. Cabinet member AmandaLynn MacLeod found Cabinet’s two unique diplomatic conversations, one with the Israeli ambassador and another with a representative from the United States embassy to Azerbaijan, to be a highlight of the experience. She noted, “As those who have done any sort of political advocacy on behalf of the state of Israel know, these sorts of strategic partnerships are critical for Israel’s safety and security.”

The strong diplomatic and economic ties between Azerbaijan and Israel serve as a beacon of stability and mutual respect. This growing alliance not only strengthens Jewish life in Azerbaijan but also contributes to broader regional cooperation and understanding.

The future for Jews in Azerbaijan is nuanced. Despite the country’s ongoing regional conflicts, including its complex relationship with neighboring countries, Azerbaijan remains a nation of striking beauty, cultural richness, and strategic importance due to its vast oil reserves.  As Cabinet returns home, the lessons from this journey — of ancient roots, unexpected harmony, and the enduring connectivity of the global Jewish community— will continue to inform their leadership and advocacy. The work of JFNA and its partner organizations in Azerbaijan is truly a testament to the Federation’s mission to build flourishing communities at home and around the world.