The message reads, in part:
“Iyar 26 is one of the most important and memorable dates in the centuries-long history of the Jewish people. It links epochs and generations and epitomises a never fading memory about the Great Victory, an immortal heroic deed of the Red Army soldiers and commanders, who defeated Nazism, saved the Jewish and other peoples from the threat of annihilation. And, of course, it is a tribute of profound and sincere respect to the people who displayed resilience and courage at the time of bitter trial and did not yield to a cruel and merciless enemy.
I am confident that large-scale celebration of the Day of Salvation and Liberation enriches historical, religious and cultural traditions of Russian Jews and promotes in society, especially among young people, lofty spiritual, moral and patriotic ideals and values, and helps to consolidate efforts in opposing radical nationalism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism.”