The Jewish community in Baku, Azerbaijan, downsized its Passover celebration after threats. Jewish organizations in Azerbaijan received unsigned letters threatening to avenge the death of Hamas leader Sheik Ahmed Yassin, leaders of the Federation of Jewish Communities of the Former Soviet Union said. Only 250 Jews showed up for a community seder this week in Baku, instead of the expected 1,000. Rabbi Meir Bruk, who runs activities in the community on behalf of the Federation of Jewish Communities, said the low attendance was due to widespread security concerns. The community also had to change the venue at the last minute after a public hall refused to rent its space to Jews for fear of possible attacks. The seder was held in a smaller space inside the local Jewish day school

Source: JTA, April 8, 2004

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