New Remembrance Day Established
The Russian Federation has officially designated April 19 as the 'Day of Remembrance of Victims of the Genocide of the Soviet People by the Nazis during the Great Patriotic War.' This new federal law, signed by President Vladimir Putin, came into effect on January 1. The legislation aims to preserve historical truth regarding the crimes committed by Nazi Germany and its collaborators against Soviet civilians during World War II.
Historical Context of April 19
The selection of April 19 as the date for this remembrance day is rooted in a significant historical event. On April 19, 1943, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR issued Decree No. 39. This decree is recognized as the first official document to acknowledge the Nazis' deliberate policy of mass murder against civilians in the occupied territories of the Soviet Union. It also served as a foundational legal document for the prosecution of Nazi criminals and their accomplices.
Purpose and Scale of Remembrance
The primary purpose of establishing this day is to combat historical denial and perpetuate the memory of the immense suffering endured by the Soviet people. Russian officials emphasize that millions of Soviet civilians were victims of Nazi atrocities, including killings, burning alive, and torture in concentration camps. Estimates suggest that between 13 to 16 million Soviet citizens became victims of Nazi actions in occupied territories, with some sources indicating a total of 25 to 27 million Soviet citizens died during the war, predominantly civilians. State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin highlighted the duty 'to preserve the memory of the feat of our grandfathers and great-grandfathers who saved the whole world from the Nazis.'
The new law also includes provisions to support non-profit organizations dedicated to preserving the memory of these victims, allowing them to gain socially oriented status and access state and municipal support.
International Reactions
The establishment of this remembrance day has drawn criticism, particularly from Israel and various Jewish communities worldwide. Critics argue that the law's focus on the 'genocide of the Soviet people' without explicitly mentioning the Holocaust or Jewish victims blurs the unique nature of the genocide against the Jewish people. It is noted that April 19, 1943, also marks the beginning of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, a pivotal moment of Jewish resistance during the Holocaust.
5 Comments
Noir Black
A cynical attempt to rewrite WWII history. This law ignores the unique tragedy of the Jewish people.
Loubianka
Establishing a day of remembrance for war victims is commendable, as the Soviet Union endured horrific losses. However, the date's overlap with the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising raises legitimate concerns about insensitivity and historical nuance for other victim groups.
BuggaBoom
It's about time Russia officially honored its millions of WWII victims. A crucial step for historical truth.
Muchacha
Remembering the sacrifices of WWII is essential, and the scale of Soviet suffering is undeniable. But given current geopolitical tensions, this move feels less about pure remembrance and more about shaping a specific national narrative.
Bella Ciao
The article rightly points out the vast number of Soviet casualties, and remembering them is important. Yet, the international criticism about not explicitly mentioning the Holocaust suggests a missed opportunity for broader historical reconciliation and recognition.