Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, on behalf of the Government of Israel, expresses his sorrow and the condolences of the Israeli people over the passing of former Russian President Boris Yeltsin.

During the late President Yeltsin's term in office, the gates were opened for Jews from the former USSR to immigrate to Israel.  His relationship with the Russian Jewish community enabled Jewish life to flourish.

Under the late President Yeltsin's leadership, Russian-Israeli relations developed apace.  He accepted the credentials of Israel's first Ambassador to Russia.

Prime Minister Olmert sent his condolences to Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian people.