Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili has wished a happy Passover to Georgia’s Jewish community and all those celebrating the holiday, Agenda reports.
In his address to the country’s Jewish population, Kvirikashvili said Passover is a long-standing symbol of freedom and loyalty.
"We cherish the 26-century friendship between the Georgian and Jewish people. We have given this unique relationship the status of intangible cultural heritage”, PM Kvirikashvili said.
Passover is a major Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of Jews from slavery and the exodus from ancient Egypt.
Ketevan Tsikhelashvili, Georgia's State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality also joined in on the celebrations.
"The friendship between Georgian and Jewish people is valuable for everyone... their culture and religion are undivided part of our country”, Tsikhelashvili said.
Georgian Jews are one of the oldest communities in Georgia, tracing their migration into the country back to the Babylonian exile and expulsion in the 6th century BCE.
The 2600-year-long history of the Georgian Jews is notable for its lack of anti-semitic events and a visible assimilation of the Jews of the country into the Georgian language and culture.