The congratulatory message reads, in part:
“From ancient times this holiday has been a symbol of spiritual perfection and renewal and hope for the future. During these special days thousands of Russian Jews turn to their people’s great heritage – the ancient commandments of Judaism that preach the eternal values of peace and tolerance, mutual respect and love and care for one another. These values have great importance in our country, where people of different nationalities and faiths live in peace and harmony together.
Russia’s Jewish community continues the revival of the Jewish people’s rich spiritual traditions today and is an effective help to the state authorities’ efforts to fight xenophobia and religious intolerance. It is making an important contribution to strengthening interethnic and inter-faith harmony and preserving our country’s cultural diversity.”