The message reads, in part:
“Russia’s Jewish community, which continues to observe its ancient religious traditions, gives a special place to this holiday of spiritual cleansing and joyful hopes for the future. It is a time that particularly encourages creation, moral improvement, mutual understanding, goodness and care for others. These values are shared by all religions and have served for centuries now as the foundation for good-neighbourliness, peace and harmony in our country.
Today, as it revives its rich heritage, Russia’s Jewish community is making an essential contribution to preserving national and cultural diversity and promoting an atmosphere of tolerance and understanding in our society.”