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Israel gives nod to Russia with new national holiday

Israel, seeking to keep Russian ties close, realizes little things do matter.
An Israeli waves a Soviet flag during a march in Jerusalem commemorating the 70th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day May 10, 2015. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun  - RTX1CBAH

On July 27, Israel passed a law officially declaring Victory in Europe Day a national holiday. Israel has always observed V-E Day as a day of national remembrance, but the new designation raises its status.

V-E Day commemorates the day on which the Allies accepted Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender in World War II. It’s commonly celebrated in Europe and the United States on May 8, when the signing took place in Berlin. But since it was already the next day in the Soviet Union, in Russia it is observed on May 9. Israel has traditionally followed the Soviet tradition of celebrating the event May 9.

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