The terror attacks in Washington, D.C., and Colorado are deeply mourned and condemned by Azerbaijani society. These recent attacks have sparked widespread sorrow and outrage among Azerbaijanis both at home and abroad. Like the global community, Azerbaijanis quickly turned to social media to express solidarity, offer condolences, and call for justice.
โTo remain silent in the face of terror is to accept its brutality,โ said human rights advocate and lawyer Nigar Aliyeva in a public statement.
Following the attacks, Azerbaijani citizens organized a spontaneous gathering in front of the U.S. Embassy in Baku. People laid flowers and observed a moment of silence in honor of the victims. Participants called for peace, justice, and the protection of civilian lives in the face of rising global threats.
Azerbaijani diaspora organizations in the United States, Germany, Israel, and other countries issued official statements condemning the attacks. Their messages emphasized that no ideology, political belief, or religious motive can justify the taking of innocent lives.
โWe feel the pain of the American people and stand with them in this difficult time,โ said Elchin Rahimov, head of the Azerbaijan-American Cultural Center in the U.S. Yegana Salman, vice president of Aziz, the main Azerbaijani cultural organization in Israel, also expressed her outrage at the recent terror attacks in Washington, D.C. and Colorado.
Azerbaijanis took to social media using hashtags such as #NoToTerror, #PeaceForAll, #PrayForDC, and #ColoradoStrong to express their grief and solidarity. Influential voices, journalists, and youth leaders emphasized that such attacks are not only against the American people but against all of humanity.
Azerbaijani journalist Anastasia Lavrina stated, โThe tragic killing of two Israeli diplomats in Washington, D.C. and the bloodshed in Colorado stands as a deeply disturbing act that transcends the boundaries of political expression and enters the realm of targeted violence and terrorism. It is not only a heinous crime, but also a chilling reminder of how international conflicts and entrenched hostilities can spill over into what should be protected, neutral spaces.โ
According to Lavrina, โAs a journalist, I see this as a stark warning that diplomatic norms and the sanctity of international missions are increasingly under threat in a world fraught with polarization and rising extremism. The attackerโs alleged motivations, reportedly linked to the ongoing Gaza conflict, underscore how global crises now manifest in deeply personal and violent ways, even far from the immediate regions of conflict.โ
She added, โIn response to this grievous incident, Azerbaijan acted swiftly and resolutely. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs publicly condemned the attack in the strongest terms, offering condolences to the Government of Israel and to the families of the victims. Azerbaijanโs reaction, while appropriately measured, also reflects its clear and principled stance against terrorism and politically motivated violence.โ
She concluded, โAs a country that maintains strategic relations with Israel and values regional stability, Azerbaijanโs unequivocal condemnation is consistent with its broader commitment to peace, security, and the preservation of international diplomatic norms. In a time when global alignments are constantly shifting, Bakuโs response reaffirms its identity as a responsible, balanced, and pragmatic actor on the international stage.โ
Emil Hasanov, deputy chairman of the Public Council under ANAMA, also declared, โIt was a big tragedy. Unfortunately, there was an element of antisemitism, and this is worrying. There are groups that are starting to attack Israeli civilians, and this is troubling. The situation in Gaza took the logic out of people and caused them to attack innocent civilians, who have no connection to the situation in Gaza. This is a very sad story happening in the U.S., and it is connected to antisemitism.โ
Elnur Enveroglu, deputy editor-in-chief of Azernews, stated, โI would say that the shooting of two Israeli staff members outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. is a blatant provocation disguised as a human rights issue. It is evident that, amid the ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine, many opportunists have entered the political arena, seeking to exploit the situation. In my view, tensions between states should never be addressed by endangering individuals or targeting private citizens. Such acts only contribute to a global atmosphere of lawlessness and an alarming surge in criminal behavior.โ
He continued, โWe are increasingly witnessing young people being influenced by content disseminated by various religious movements, some of which incite violence. These developments are deeply concerning, wholly unacceptable, and can in no way be justified. I believe that not only the United States, but all countries, must remain vigilant. Under the pretext of supporting Palestine, radical elements must not be allowed to commit crimes against Israeli citizens or individuals of any nationality. These actions, regardless of the rhetoric used to defend them, must be firmly prevented.โ
He concluded, โIn practice, we often observe certain social media influencers raising such issues simply for visibility or engagement. There are thousands of young minds being misled, conducting propaganda under Palestinian slogans without fully understanding who or what they are serving. This phenomenon must not evolve into a globalized wave of criminal behavior. Those who incite or encourage such acts must be held accountable.โ
Through their response to these tragic events, Azerbaijanis once again reaffirm a powerful truth: terrorism has no religion, no nationality, and no justification. Whether in Khojaly, October 7, or now on U.S. soil, the targets have always been innocent civilians.
In the face of such horrors, Azerbaijani society continues to stand firmly for peace, the sanctity of human life, and global solidarity with the Jewish people.
Rachel Avraham is the CEO of the Dona Gracia Center for Diplomacy and an Israel-based journalist. She is the author of “Women and Jihad: Debating Palestinian Female Suicide Bombings in the American, Israeli, and Arab Media.”