Washington hosts presentation of Azerbaijani edition of book “Sons of Abraham”

Azerbaijan’s Embassy in the United States hosted a presentation of the Azerbaijani edition of the book “Sons of Abraham: A Candid Conversation about the Issues That Divide and Unite Jews and Muslims,” co-authored by Rabbi Marc Schneier and Imam Shamsi Ali.

The presentation ceremony was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in the U.S., members of the Jewish and Muslim communities, as well as researchers.

In his opening remarks, Khazar Ibrahim, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the U.S., noted that National Leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev always treated all religions with great respect and promoted these values throughout the world. “President Ilham Aliyev is also successfully continuing this tradition. In the current era of widespread Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, Azerbaijan has always played a unifying role, bringing together different parties, striving for dialogue, and preferring to avoid confrontation,” the diplomat emphasized.

Rabbi Marc Schneier, co-author of the book, President of the US Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, described this publication as one of the key sources in the field of Jewish-Muslim relations.

Noting that the book has been translated into several languages, Marc Schneier underlined that it was translated into Azerbaijani at the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev. Schneier underscored that Azerbaijan is a unique example of interfaith dialogue and coexistence to the world.

Speaking about the book, co-author, Imam Shamsi Ali stated that Jews and Muslims share not only a common faith, but also a common destiny. He further noted that the translation of the book into Azerbaijani is of particular importance, which is an indication that Azerbaijan recognizes all religions, embracing this diversity.

Yerzhan Ashikbayev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the U.S., commended the translation of the book into Azerbaijani as a significant contribution to mutual understanding not only between religions, but also among different ethnic groups, countries and peoples.

Other speakers also shared their views, emphasizing that this book represents an important contribution to interfaith dialogue, respect for all beliefs and the elimination of hatred.

The book was translated into Azerbaijani with the support of the State Committee for Work with Religious Associations.