EU in Israel cancels Europe Day event over Ben-Gvir: What is this day?

EU in Israel cancels Europe Day event over Ben-Gvir: What is this day?

Subject: History

Section: World History

Context: The European Union’s delegation in Israel Monday (May 8) cancelled its Europe Day diplomatic reception over the planned participation of far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir

Details:

• On the continent, the Russia-Ukraine conflict casts a long shadow on Europe Day celebrations this year. Russia has cancelled events in many regions, fearing Ukrainian shelling. On the other hand, in an attempt to break from its Soviet past, Ukraine has decided to observe Europe Day on May 8 (like Western Europe) rather than May 9 (like Russia).
• Europe Day:
• Europe Day held on 9 May every year celebrates peace and unity in Europe. The date marks the anniversary of the historic ‘Schuman declaration’ that set out his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe
• The Schuman Declaration was presented by French foreign minister Robert Schuman on 9 May 1950.
• Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day or simply, Europe Day) is one of the most important days in the history of Europe. It was on May 8, 1945 (May 9 in Eastern Europe) that the surrender of the German armed forces was formally accepted, bringing an end to a war that had killed millions on battlefields, across bombarded cities and in brutal concentration camp
• World War II officially began in 1939, with Germany’s invasion of Poland drawing Britain into the War. While Germany enjoyed initial success, conquering much of Western Europe and making inroads in the East, the Luftwaffe’s failure in the Battle of Britain, Hitler’s doomed invasion of Soviet Russia, and the entry of the US into the conflict in 1941 would soon turn the tide
• By 1945, Germany faced inevitable defeat. On the East, the Red Army marched towards Berlin with its enormous manpower and resource base. On the West, British, American and other allied troops hastened towards the German capital, after the successful D-Day landings on June 6, 1944.
• Germany’s biggest European ally Italy had collapsed and the Japanese were preparing for a lengthy campaign to defend their home islands, having lost most of the territory they had gained in the early years of the War.
• Thus, on April 30, 1945, as the Battle of Berlin raged on with both Soviets and Western Allies competing with each other to capture the city, German Fuhrer and Nazi Party supremo Adolf Hitler died by suicide.
• Karl Donitz succeeded Hitler and immediately started negotiating a full surrender. The German Instrument of Surrender was signed on May 8, 1945 in Karlshorst, Berlin.