German Zakharyayev

German Rashbilovich Zakharyayev (Russian: Герман Рашбилович Захарьяев; born July 7, 1971, Qırmızı Qəsəbə,[1] Azerbaijan SSR, Soviet Union) is an Azerbaijani-born businessman, public figure and philanthropist.

One of the priority directions of German Zakharyayev's activity is developing of the International Charity Foundation of Mountain Jews STMEGI,[4] which was registered in 2001 in order to promote and preserve the historical and cultural diversity of the heritage of Mountain Jews, publish books, coordinate the work of the main Mountain Jewish organizations around the world, and provide regular support to members of the diaspora,[5] such as the restoration of the Moscow Choral Synagogue for its centenary, donating Torah Scrolls to the synagogues and yeshivas, distribution of products for Passover and publishing activities.

The foundation's website also launched a series of video lessons in Judeo-Tat, the Mountain Jews' language Juhuri, which includes many words in ancient Hebrew and Aramaic.

[7] In February 2014, German Zakharyayev appealed to the leading rabbis of Israel, Russia and European countries with a request to approve Iyar 26 as a holy day for Jews and to celebrate it widely.

The idea received wide support, and in May of the same year for the first time Jewish communities around the world officially celebrated 26 Iyar – the Day of Salvation and Liberation.