To the surprise of parishioners entering the Ulyanovsk Synagogue for prayers for the first morning of Pesach, there was a special colored card with the words ”For the great holiday Pesach”, from the Governor of Ulyanovsk!

Inside was a detailed letter to the honorary Rabbi Yosef Marozov. It began, “On the very first day of Pesach, we want to wish you a happy Pesach and thank you for the work you have done for the Jews of Ulyanovsk…” The letter goes on thanking the Jewish community for their great contribution in Ulyanovsk.