Commemorating October 18, 2026, as Azerbaijan Independence Day

Assembly Resolution No. 1609

BY: M. of A. Novakhov

        COMMEMORATING  October  18,  2026,  as  Azerbaijan
        Independence Day

  WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize  and
commemorate  the cultural heritage, historic contributions, and enduring
traditions of the many communities that strengthen  the  fabric  of  the
State of New York; and

  WHEREAS,  Attendant  to  such  concern,  and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this  Legislative  Body  is  justly  proud  to
commemorate  October  18,  2026,  as Azerbaijan Independence Day, and to
honor the historic friendship between the  Azerbaijani  people  and  the
Mountain Jewish community; and

  WHEREAS,  On  October  18, 1991, the Republic of Azerbaijan restored
its independence, reaffirming its sovereignty,  national  identity,  and
rich  multicultural  traditions  following the dissolution of the Soviet
Union; and

  WHEREAS, Azerbaijan has long  stood  as  a  symbol  of  coexistence,
tolerance,  and  mutual  respect  among  people  of different faiths and
ethnic backgrounds, serving as a historic homeland and  safe  haven  for
the Mountain Jewish, or Gorsky Jewish, community for centuries; and

  WHEREAS, The Mountain Jews of Azerbaijan represent one of the oldest
Jewish  communities  in  the  Caucasus  region,  preserving their unique
traditions, language, and heritage while  contributing  greatly  to  the
cultural   and  economic  life  of  Azerbaijan  and  Jewish  communities
throughout the world; and

  WHEREAS, The village of Krasnaya Sloboda, located in Azerbaijan,  is
recognized  internationally  as  one  of  the  few entirely Jewish towns
outside the State of Israel and has served for generations as  a  center
of Mountain Jewish religious, cultural, and communal life; and

  WHEREAS,   Throughout   periods   of   hardship,   persecution,  and
instability in surrounding regions, Azerbaijan remained  a  place  where
the  Mountain  Jewish  community  was  able to live openly, practice its
faith freely, and preserve its identity in peace and security; and

  WHEREAS, The Azerbaijani and Mountain  Jewish  communities  share  a
long  history of friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect, serving as
an example of peaceful coexistence  and  interfaith  harmony  to  people
around the world; and

  WHEREAS, New York State is proudly home to a vibrant Mountain Jewish
community,  many of whom trace their roots to Azerbaijan and continue to
preserve the rich customs, traditions, and  values  of  their  heritage;
now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate October 18, 2026, as Azerbaijan Independence Day; and be  it
further


  RESOLVED,  That  copies  of  this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to representatives of the Azerbaijani-American and  Mountain
Jewish communities throughout the State of New York.