I. Metshin: "The representatives of the Jewish community do much for the prosperity of our land"

(Kazan City KZN.RU, September 3, Albert Murtazin). Today in Kazan a solemn closing of the Congress of Rabbis of Russia was held, it was attended by 50 heads of Jewish communities. The closing ceremony was attended by Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin.

The Mayor welcomed the participants of the congress in Hebrew and said that it is an honor for Kazan to hold such an event. "For the first time the Congress of Rabbis of Russia takes place in Kazan, in the city where more than one million people - more than 100 nationalities live in an atmosphere of ethnic, religious and linguistic diversity. Mutual respect of peoples and their peaceful coexistence are not only the guarantee of stability, but also a major resource for our development. Preserving of religious diversity and cultural heritage of all the peoples of Kazan is a very important task for us, "- said the head of the capital of Tatarstan.

"The greatest asset of our city is its people. Representatives of the Jewish community throughout the thousands of years of history of Kazan every time did and do, and I'm sure, will make a lot of good and useful things for the prosperity of our land "- the Mayor expressed confidence.

Kazan Mayor also stressed that today in Kazan much is done to representatives of different nationalities can learn their native language; preserve the age-old customs and values. "It is important that each had a comfortable life here, that no one had any desire to leave. This year, the synagogue - remarkable historical monument of great value to the city and its residents was restored, "- said I. Metshin. The Mayor said that the Jewish community of Kazan makes a significant contribution to the development of inter-faith dialogue and harmonization of interethnic relations in society and expressed confidence that this will continue. "I am very proud that we have the most close-knit Jewish community in Russia!" - said Ilsur Metshin.

Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar said that mutual understanding between Jews and representatives of other religions has become customary in Kazan, but such a high level of mutual understanding within the Jewish community was a pleasant surprise for visitors of the capital of Tatarstan. "We see that there is a special attitude to religion in general, to the traditions in general today in the Russia. Therefore we are very happy to be here "- shared Berel Lazar.

President of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia Alexander Boroda, in turn, noted that it is logical that after Moscow and St. Petersburg Congress of Rabbis is held in Kazan – in the third capital of Russia, especially during the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the synagogue. "Kazan community is one of the best, most exemplary and worthy in the country. The city has a certain effect on the work of the community – it is a mutual respect, sympathy and love for its citizens. How Kazan is hospitable - so the Kazan Jewish community is hospitable. The capital of Tatarstan is one of the most tolerant cities in Russia. Tatarstan as a whole, and Kazan as its face show a look into the future Russia - a place where decent conditions for all nationalities can be created, "- said Boroda.

Ilsur Metshin thanked the Congress for the appreciation of the city and expressed the hope that similar events will become a tradition for Kazan.

All-Russian Congress of rabbis was held in Kazan in the frames of the IV International festival of Jewish music, which this year is dedicated to the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Kazan synagogue and the International Conference "Limmud". The Congress of Rabbis was attended by about 50 leaders of Jewish communities and congregations from 40 cities of Russia.