In recent days, biased discussions have emerged in certain circles and on social media regarding the personality and combat path of Azerbaijan’s Jewish National Hero Albert Agarunov.
Various posts and comments on social networks have sought to cast doubt on his participation in the Karabakh war, the reasons why he joined the fighting, and even his heroism itself.
What is noteworthy is that those making these claims provide no facts, attempt to distort truths that have been known for years, and appear intent on creating a false perception.
In fact, the most convincing answer regarding the motives that led Albert Agarunov to join the Karabakh war was given by Agarunov himself.
An interview conducted with Agarunov by journalist Mirshahin Agayev during the fighting in Karabakh in 1992 remains in the archives to this day and directly answers the claims that have been circulating on social media in recent days.
In that interview given in Shusha, Albert states that he is Jewish and that he voluntarily joined the fighting because he lived and was born on this land.
Albert says that he sees his duty as a citizen in defending the land and emphasizes that he will fight until the end of the war.
After this interview, what those who initiate biased discussions think or say no longer carries any significance. Contrary to the claims put forward in recent days that he “allegedly did not fight voluntarily,” was “allegedly forced into the war,” or “allegedly did not want to fight,” Albert Agarunov himself explains in the combat zone why he took up arms. It is true that Albert was unable to fight until the end of the war, as he heroically fell in battle shortly after that interview. However, through his heroism, he wrote his name into the history of Azerbaijan in golden letters. The Armenian tank he destroyed while trying to enter Shusha is now displayed at the Trophy Park in Baku.
There is neither political propaganda nor mythology created afterward in Albert’s answers. His views and position are clear and straightforward: “I was born on this land, and I see my civic duty in defending it.”
Observations indicate that the biased campaign being conducted against Agarunov aligns with the information line of certain religious and ideological circles. They seek to negatively affect the multi-confessional and tolerant environment that has been formed in Azerbaijan. These circles have for many years conducted propaganda against Azerbaijan’s model of national statehood in various directions. From this perspective, Albert Agarunov becoming a target does not appear accidental. Undoubtedly, one of the objectives is to create problems in Azerbaijan’s relations with neighboring states and partners.
Albert Agarunov is not merely a tank commander who died for Karabakh. He is also one of the symbols uniting people around a common Azerbaijan regardless of their ethnic or religious affiliation. He is also among the most well-known and most respected servicemen of the First Karabakh War. In the memories of his comrades-in-arms and war participants, Albert Agarunov is described as a professional tank commander, a courageous fighter, and a serviceman who never hesitated to carry out the most difficult combat missions. It was precisely because of the bravery and heroism he displayed that he was awarded the title of National Hero of Azerbaijan.
Both Albert, who was Jewish, and representatives of other peoples living in Azerbaijan actively participated in both the First and Second Karabakh wars and demonstrated heroism. They gave even their lives for Azerbaijan, which is the common Homeland of all of us. In fact, what could be more natural than a person fighting for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country of which he is a citizen?
Those conducting an artificial campaign of hype and defamation against Albert can be shown Iran as an example.
There too, people belonging to different nations who fought and died for Iran are regarded as heroes and their names are immortalized. Including Jews.
Today, some circles in Iran are trying to conceal information about Jews who died in the Iran-Iraq War and the immortalization of their names because of relations with Israel. However, they forget that the facts tell a different story. A memorial has been erected in Iran in memory of Jewish servicemen who died in the Iran-Iraq War. During the opening ceremony held in 2014, officials specifically emphasized the loyalty of the Jewish community to the Iranian state, its participation in the country's defense, and its services during the war. It was stated in the speeches that their fighting for Iran was an example of national solidarity.
In 2019, another commemorative ceremony dedicated to the memory of Jewish servicemen who died in the Iran-Iraq War was organized. During the event, their graves were visited, and military and state representatives respectfully honored their service. It was noted that the main point was not their religious affiliation, but the fact that they sacrificed their lives while fighting for Iran.
Regardless of nationality, religion, or race, Azerbaijan stands by each of its citizens and cherishes the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the Homeland. The cheap campaign being conducted around Albert’s name appears to be an information attack directed against Azerbaijan’s traditions of tolerance, its model of civic solidarity, and its national unity.
However, those attempting to put such petty issues on the agenda should not forget that Albert, as well as representatives of other peoples who gave their lives for this Homeland, are children of Azerbaijan, and their memory will always be honored.
Those who think they will achieve something by creating artificial tension should look back at history and see that there has never been discord among nations and peoples in Azerbaijan, and everyone has considered themselves a part of this Homeland.
Today, Albert Agarunov’s name is mentioned not only as a National Hero, but also as a vivid example of loyalty to the Azerbaijani state, love of the homeland, and self-sacrifice, and a monument to him has been erected in the center of Baku. This fact also demonstrates that the plans of certain circles and those who serve as wheels in the propaganda machine of a certain country will never succeed. On the contrary, the organizers and executors of this campaign themselves will end up in a helpless position.
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