In 1997, Governor Volkov stated that he wanted, "our Jewish community to have a permanent
rabbi and a synagogue." Concerning the Jewish community of the
oblast and the
Birobidzhan Synagogue, Volkov has stated that he intends to, "support every valuable initiative maintained by our local Jewish organizations." In 2004, Volkov received an award for the category 'Regional Leader' during the 'Man of the Year 5764' Ceremony organized by the
Federation of Jewish Communities of the CIS. This award served as recognition for, "his initiative in the revival of Jewish life in Birobidzhan and in arranging the Jewish Autonomous Oblast's 70th anniversary celebrations." ==See also==