The Chief Rabbi of Volgograd, Russia, Rabbi Zalman Yoffe took part in a meeting held between religious leaders in the region, which also involved the First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration, Vladislav Surkov, and the Plenipotentiary of the President of the Russian Federation in the Southern Federal District, Vladimir Ustinov.

Also in attendance during the meeting were representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church, the Roman Catholic Church, Muslims and Jews.

The objective of this meeting was to discuss the situation on the ground in the Volgograd Region, including the situation with respect to grassroots-level working relations between local religious associations and governmental authorities.

“The guests have confirmed the readiness of the country’s leadership to continue contributing to the resolution of issues with respect to introducing citizens of Russia to the development of spirituality and religious communities,” commented Chief Rabbi Zalman Yoffe concerning the outcome of the meeting. “Mr. Surkov considered my suggestion to make greater use of the mass media, both locally and at the national level, to carry out these tasks.”

Both Chief Rabbi of Volgograd Zalman Yoffe and Volgograd JCC Director Yael Yoffe have been actively promoting the issues concerning the Jewish community of Volgogad, a vibrant member of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia. They, along with other lay leaders, have done much to promote the communities relations in the region at the inter-confessional and inter-ethnic level, as well as in terms of its relationship with governmental authorities, law enforcement officials, non-governmental organizations and youth groups.

(Source: FJC)