Vladimir Putin takes a "shofar" presented by Israel's chief Rabbi Israel Meir Lau during the opening of Russia's first Jewish community center, September 2000.

Vladimir Putin claps after awarding Lieutenant-Colonel Andrei Zelenko the order of "Hero of the Russian Federation" for heroism shown in the course of duty, September 2000.

Vladimir Putin meets Russian Nobel laureate writer Alexander Solzhenitsyn, September 2000.

Vladimir Putin speaks at a ceremony to honor Russian agricultural workers, October 2000.

Vladimir Putin congratulates Nobel prize winner Zhores Alferov during their meeting at the Kremlin, October 2000.

Vladimir Putin, Mikhail Kasyanov and Belarus Premier Vladimir Yermoshin talk at Minsk airport, December 2000.

Vladimir Putin gestures during the opening ceremony of the 5th all-Russia Congress of Judges in Moscow, December 2000.

Vladimir Putin speaks during a visit to Magnitogorsk metallurgical works, December 2000.

Vladimir Putin listens to a performer during a New Year's show at a children's center in Vladimir, December 2000.

Vladimir Putin meets Boris Yeltsin for talks on the country's economic and social situation, December 2000.