68 years after the victory over the Nazis: ‘A symbol of Jewish revival’

Israel and the global community marked the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II on Thursday with parades, festivals and somber memorial services.

Hundreds of people including war veterans who fought against Germany alongside the Allied troops marched in Jerusalem. Those who fought in Russia’s Red Army donned their military decorations, and were greeted with rapturous applause from an audience of fellow revelers and passersby.

Another ceremony marking the Allied victory was held at the Yad Vashem museum in the nation’s capital. The event was held in conjunction with the Jerusalem immigration authorities in honor of WWII veterans.

„We must do more for those who risked their lives, it is in their honor that we stand here today,” said Immigrant Absorption Minister Sofa Landver at the ceremony.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat spoke directly to the nation’s youth, saying, „I call on you, young people standing here today: Look toward these fighters, look into their eyes and know that they are role models.”

Russia — which counted the highest number of casualties during the international belligerence of WWII — marked the historic day with parades and festivities. About 10 million people participated in a variety of events, but the main one was held at Moscow’s Red Square. There, President Vladimir Putin said, „We will do everything we can to ensure that no one ever dares threaten our children, our homes and our land.”

A ceremony was held at the Auschwitz concentration camp with children who immigrated to Israel from former Soviet Union countries. The teenagers, participants of the Genesis Philanthropy Group’s Phoenix Project, the Jewish Agency and Yad Vashem, toured Ukraine and Poland last week.

„We are commemorating the victory right here, in this terrible place,” they said. „This day symbolizes the Jewish people’s revival.”

Genesis Philanthropy Group Israel Executive Director Sana Britavsky spoke about her grandfathers, who fought in WWII and survived.

„They left to go fight; anyone who stayed at home was slaughtered in the Holocaust,” she said. „For me, it is very moving and symbolic to be here today, the day when victory was achieved over the Nazis.”