On the 17th of February, the legislative assembly of the Jewish Autonomous Oblast (JAO) confirmed the new governor of the region. The deputies overwhelmingly supported the candidate proposed by the President of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Medvedev – the mayor of Birobidjan, Alexander Vinnikov. The leadershup of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) send the new JAO governor felicitations that read as follows, “The high amount of credence given to you is a natural effect of your fruitful labor of many years as the mayor of Birobidjan. When you led the capital of the JAO, you made it one of the most effectively developing cities of the country, attained the trust of its citizens and the respect of colleagues. We are certain that the experience of governing that you have accumulated shall bring palpable benefit to the entire JAO, and will make the life of its people better and more comfortable. The EAJC and JAO has a relationship that is strong and spans many years. We responded to the initiatives of the JAO leadership, and have many times aided in holding traditional festivals of Jewish culture, participated in organizing such major events as the Far-East Limud, supported Jewish community life in the city. We sincerely hope to continue our joint projects, and wish you success on your new post, as well as health and strength for the completion of your plans!” The felicitations were signed by EAJC President Alexander Mashkevich, Secretary General Michael Chlenov, General Council Chairman Josef Zisels, and Executive Vice-President Yuri Raskin.