“The Times of Israel” has posted an article titled “European Games in Azerbaijan highlight tolerance and friendship”.

“Beginning on June 12 and continuing into the end of this week, Azerbaijan hosts the inaugural European Games, and with no coincidence, Israel has sent the largest sports delegation in all of Israeli history to participate. 142 Israeli competitors are enjoying Baku, capital of the Muslim-majority Republic of Azerbaijan, a safe and welcoming country for all Jews. Over 6,000 athletes are competing now in Baku, from 50 nations, representing 20 categories of sport. Israel has been especially successful so far in Rhythmic Gymnastics and Wrestling. The groundbreaking size of the Israeli delegation is a testimony to the unique friendship between Israel and Azerbaijan, supported by the two thousand year old friendship between the Azerbaijani and Jewish people, and the centuries old Azerbaijani belief system and practice of multiculturalism and inter-religious harmony.

However, over the last few weeks, a well-orchestrated global campaign has been unleashed to defame and discredit these Games and Azerbaijan.

I applaud and appreciate that my brothers and sisters from Israel were not only safe and included in the European Games, but deeply welcomed, and already walking around Baku with 8 medals. The courage of Azerbaijan is highlighted by the absolutely crucial role this small Caucasus nation plays in the regional and greater global spheres.
Azerbaijan with its vast energy reserves, proposed natural gas pipeline to Europe and geo-strategic location is poised to shift the international economic and political dynamic in Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia. Azerbaijan is also an important partner in combating international terrorism. The recent U.S. State Department report on counterterrorism named Azerbaijan a significant partner in the fight against terrorism, extremism and international money laundering, and praised the country for its ongoing successful collaboration with both the U.S. and NATO.

“The first European Games in history, and behind a cloud of media smoke, the greatest feat was not actually any kind of sport, but instead the teaming up of two nations as friends, a bond that transcends the ills of bias and represents the essence of hope and tolerance”, said the article by Israel Barouk.

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