EAJC President: The memory of the Second World War transcends political interests

On May 8 and 9, the world marks Victory in Europe Day, celebrating the end of World War II. On this occasion, Dr. Mikhail Mirilashvili, President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, issued a special statement:

"The memory of the Second World War is not merely a matter of the past; it is a mirror reflecting our present. We bow our heads to the millions of victims and to the heroes who halted one of the most horrific machines of destruction in human history. One and a half million Jewish soldiers fought within the Allied forces, including over half a million in the Red Army. They spoke different languages and wore different uniforms, yet they were united by a singular, vital mission: to save the world from absolute evil and defend their freedom. Some of these veterans are still with us today in Israel. Their grandchildren and great-grandchildren are our neighbors, friends, and colleagues. We remain forever mindful that their heroism secured our freedom. 

Today, eight decades later, we
witness how the rise of antisemitism, violence, and hostility is fueled by the very same rhetoric of hatred that once plunged the world into catastrophe. This is precisely why the memory of World War II must transcend political interests and temporary alliances. It must serve as a universal human foundation—the bedrock upon which our responsibility to future generations is built.

On these days of remembrance—May 8 and 9—let us recall that the Allies triumphed not because they held identical views, but because they found the resolve to unite. This is history’s greatest lesson. And every one of us bears the responsibility to ensure that the catastrophe of a global war is never repeated."

In the photo: Second Lieutenant William Robertson and Lieutenant Alexander Silvashko stand joyfully in front of the "East Meets West" sign, symbolizing the historic link-up of the Soviet and American armies at the Elbe River near Torgau, Germany. Photo by William Poulsen