The message reads, in part:
“This is one of the most revered holidays among the followers of Judaism. It has an enduring historical, spiritual and moral value and takes the believers to events in the distant past: the deliverance of the Jewish people from slavery and the triumph of the ideals of freedom, kindness and justice.
It is important that Russia’s Jewish organisations do a great deal to preserve religious, ethnic and cultural customs and traditions of their ancestors, and pay unwavering attention to enhancing the institution of the family and raising the young. Most importantly, their active and highly needed efforts to maintain peace and concord in society and expand international humanitarian contacts deserve sincere respect.”