Congratulations on Passover
Vladimir Putin congratulated Russian Jewish Passover.
April 23, 2016 9:00
http://www.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/51780
[Google translation]

Congratulations to Russian Jews on Passover.

Pesach - the oldest and most respected of Jewish holidays. Its origins,
going back to the important event in the biblical story of the deliverance
of the Jews from centuries of slavery.

It is important that the Russian Jews revere the traditions and customs that
came to them from time immemorial, and carefully pass them on from
generation to generation.

Today, the life of the Jewish community of the country is filled with large,
positive developments. It creates new religious, educational, educational,
cultural centers, expanding international contacts. And, of course, Jewish
organizations are paying relentless attention to the preservation of peace
and harmony in our society, fostering mutual understanding between people of
different nationalities and religions.

Once again I congratulate you on the occasion. I sincerely wish you good
health, prosperity and all the best.
Vladimir Putin

The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
April 22, 2016
Statement by the President on Passover
https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/04/22/statement-president-passover

Michelle and I send our best wishes to everyone celebrating Pesach in the
United States, in the State of Israel, and around the world.

One of Passover’s most powerful rituals is its tradition of storytelling –
millions of Jewish families, friends, and even strangers sitting together
and sharing the inspirational tale of the Exodus. Led by a prophet and
chased by an army, sustained by a faith in God and rewarded with
deliverance, the Israelites’ journey from bondage to the Promised Land
remains one of history’s greatest examples of emancipation. This story of
redemption and hope, told and retold over thousands of years, has comforted
countless Jewish families during times of oppression, echoing in rallying
cries for civil rights around the world.

Mah nishtana halailah hazeh? For Michelle and me, this Passover is
different from all other Passovers because it will mark our last Seder in
the White House – a tradition we have looked forward to each year since
hosting the first-ever White House Seder in 2009. We will join millions
around the world to celebrate redemption at God’s mighty hand and pray for
those who still are denied their freedom. We dip the greens of renewal in
saltwater to recall the tears of those imprisoned unjustly. As we count the
10 Plagues, we spill wine from our glasses to remember those who suffered
and those who still do. And as we humbly sing “Dayenu,” we are mindful that
even the smallest blessings and slowest progress deserve our gratitude.

Passover gives us all a special opportunity to renew our belief in things
unseen even as the future remains uncertain. May this season inspire us all
to rededicate ourselves to peace and freedom for all of God’s children.
From our family to yours, chag sameach.