“Russian Unity Day” has been celebrated in Russia for 33 years as a national holiday, celebrated on November 4th, and is also known as “People’s Unity Day”. It emphasizes the commonality between all the diverse religions that exist in the Russian state, while respecting the history, culture, and even the food of every people and religion in the country.

Many ceremonies and events are held during the day, and even in the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin holds several official meetings to mark the holiday, to which the Chief Rabbi of Russia, Rabbi Berel Lazar, is invited every year. He takes advantage of the opportunity to increase and promote peace between peoples, and his words cause a great Kidush Hashem.

This year, President Putin awarded state awards and the Presidential Award for Contribution to Strengthening the Unity of the Russian Nation to a limited number of public figures who worked for the benefit of Russian citizens, in various areas of community, family, health, and and economics.

The President awarded the Order of Honor to the country’s Chief Rabbi for his contribution to strengthening the unity of the Russian nation. Rabbi Lazar was invited to deliver a congratulatory speech, in which he said:

“First of all, thank you very much for the honor and attention. I understand that this is an award for the entire Jewish community and all its rabbis. Exactly 25 years ago, you opened the first Jewish Community Center. Since then, the Jewish community in Russia has developed as it has not developed anywhere else in the world. This is largely thanks to you. The friendship between us is also what has made Russia unique. I am proud to live in this country and serve God here. I understand that everything we do is necessary, and we must do even more. The whole world will see how we act out of unity and help each other.”

In response, Mr. Putin said: “We are grateful to everyone who sees Russia as a reliable partner and is always open to new mutually beneficial ties, for the development and mutual enrichment of cultures. The value of our unity is undoubted. Once again, I sincerely congratulate you on the Day of National Unity, on receiving the Prize of the President of Russia and on receiving these listed state awards. Let me once again wish you continued success with all my heart. Thank you.

Photos: The Kremlin, Moscow