The Russian Ambassador to Bulgaria Yuri Isakov has awarded the Pushkin Medal to Bulgarian writer Angel Wagenstein and to the President of the Shalom Organization of Jews in Bulgaria Maxim Benvenisti for their great contribution to strengthening and developing the friendship and cooperation with Russia. The decree of bestowment was signed by the President of Russia on January 19, 2013.

The Pushkin Award was introduced on May 9, 1999, by a Decree of the President of Russia. It is awarded to Russian and foreign citizens for their achievements in art and culture, education, the liberal arts, humanities, and literature; for a great contribution to the study and preservation of cultural heritage; for aiding in the rapprochement and mutual enrichments of cultures, nations, and peoples. For the first time, two Bulgarian Jews were awarded this medal.

The leadership and workers of the EAJC present their congratulations to Maxim Benvenisti, who represents the Jewish community of Bulgaria that is a part of the EAJC, on receiving a state decoration of the Russian Federation.