This violin once belonged to a Jewish soldier in the Russian army, who played it as part of a military orchestra during World War II. In the Red Army, music was considered vital for morale. Orchestras and small ensembles performed in bases, hospitals, and even near the front lines, offering soldiers moments of comfort and a reminder of life beyond the battlefield.
Violins were especially valued for their expressive voice. Their familiar sound carried echoes of home, and musicians were often called upon to perform patriotic songs, folk melodies, and classical works. For Jewish soldiers, the violin also served as a link to heritage and faith at a time when so much was under threat.
Though little is known about this soldier, the violin he played bears witness to how music accompanied soldiers through war—lifting spirits, sustaining hope, and preserving humanity in the midst of devastation.
Now part of the Violins of Hope collection, the instrument honors both its owner and the countless musicians who carried their art into the darkest years of the 20th century.
