In an interview with The Jerusalem Post, Hier described the current moment as “a phenomenal opportunity” to expand the regional peace framework by bringing Baku into the fold.
“Bringing Azerbaijan into the Abraham Accords would send a powerful message to Iran and encourage broader participation from Muslim countries,” said Hier, founder and dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, who also delivered the blessing at Donald Trump’s 2017 inauguration.
Azerbaijan and Israel have enjoyed close relations for over three decades. The secular, Shiite-majority country on Iran’s northern border supplies a significant portion of Israel’s oil, purchases Israeli defense technologies, and protects an ancient Jewish community. According to a recent Forbes analysis, Azerbaijan is a natural candidate for the Abraham Accords due to its status as an energy bridge between East and West and its consistent strategic ties with Israel.
Rabbi Hier specifically highlighted the Azerbaijani government’s support for its Jewish population and its inclusion of Holocaust education in the national curriculum.
“That’s yet another reason why Azerbaijan should be part of the Abraham Accords — it would be a wonderful step,” he noted.
He further emphasized that Azerbaijan’s inclusion would serve as a clear warning to Iran in the wake of recent tensions.
“It would send a strong message that any aggression would be met with a united front,” Hier said, calling the Iranian regime “an absolute disgrace” and “a reincarnation of Nazi practices.”
During the interview, Hier also referenced a letter he recently sent to former President Trump, in which he praised Azerbaijan as “a true ally and a bridge between East and West,” urging him to take bold action to expand the peace accords.
In Hier’s view, Azerbaijan’s accession could trigger a broader regional shift.
“Many in the Arab world are tired of extremism and would tell their governments: ‘Do what Azerbaijan did,’” he stated.
He concluded the interview by expressing hope that former President Trump would seize this “historic moment” to strengthen peace in the Middle East.
