For the first time in Israel, Victory Day was commemorated with a musical flash mob.

Today, May 9, 2018, marking the 73rd anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany, Israel hosted its first-ever music flashmob, "Victory Day." As part of the event, soloists from the Israeli Opera, the Philharmonic Orchestra, and other prominent musicians performed for passengers aboard Israeli trains, reminding them of the historic holiday and the World War II veterans residing in the country. Moving from carriage to carriage, the artists performed popular wartime songs in both Russian and Hebrew, including "Katyusha," "The Blue Headscarf," "Smuglianka," "Victory Day," and others.

Passengers responded warmly to the performances, joining in the singing and recording videos of the event. The flashmob was organized by the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress. Plans are in place to establish the "Victory Day" musical flashmob as an annual event to be held every May 9.

"One and a half million Jewish soldiers fought within the Allied armies during World War II," stated EAJC President Michael Mirilashvili. "We shall never forget their heroism. Victory was secured through arduous struggle. This year, May 9, the Victory Day of the Allied coalition over Nazi Germany, is celebrated at the state level in Israel for the first time in history. Today, the foundation is being laid for the official observance of Victory Day in Israel. This is of profound significance not only for the World War II veterans living in Israel, but also for their descendants and future generations. We hope that the musical flashmob organized today by the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress will become one of these enduring traditions. The EAJC extends its congratulations to all on Victory Day!"

Musicians participating in the flashmob included Alla Vasilevitsky, lead soloist of the Israeli Opera; Olga Senderskaya, first-prize winner of the Gerda Lissner International Vocal Competition (New York, 2008) and soloist with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra; Alexey Kanunnikov, soloist of the Israeli Opera; Anatoly Line, lead soloist of the Jerusalem Chamber Opera; Ola Binder, soloist of the Israeli Opera and the Galilee Chamber Orchestra; Boris Kats, virtuoso accordionist and artistic director of the Melodia Ensemble; and Garry Lyubarov, virtuoso accordionist and artistic director of the Maestro Ensemble.