OREANDA-NEWS. April 8, 2009. In his message of congratulations, the President said, in particular:

“This joyous and uplifting holiday celebrates one of the most important events in biblical history – the Exodus, the release from centuries-long slavery. During these days, you turn to the spiritual and moral sources and values of the Jewish people’s rich cultural heritage. With their origins in far-off times, they remain as universal as ever in their significance.

The traditions of Judaism, like those of the other world religions, help bring people together, and promote understanding, trust, support and peaceful cooperation. Russia’s Jewish community is doing much today to help our country develop and to build a society of tolerance and respect for people of different faiths and ethnicity.”