Official website of the President of Russia

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The message reads, in part:

“Every memorable date in the Jewish tradition has deep meaning, each reminding us of historic events that have special importance for the Jewish community. The fact that 26 Iyar has made its way into the Jewish religious calendar is a tribute to the great exploits of the Red Army soldiers and officers who defeated Nazism, saving millions of people, not only Jews, but also other peoples in Europe and across the world. Make no mistake, this is a decisive answer to all those who attempt to deny the Holocaust and revise the results of World War II.

I strongly believe that holding large-scale celebrations on the Day of Salvation and Liberation will enhance spiritual and historic traditions of Russian Jews and contribute to instilling a sense of patriotism in the younger generation, becoming a major unifying event for Jewish communities within and beyond Russia’s borders.”