SCMP Spotlights HKHTC’s Groundbreaking AI Project with USC: Transforming Conversations on Wartime Atrocities in the Region’s Classrooms
The South China Morning Post feature article on 14 December 2024 can be read here.
Engaging the Future: HKHTC’s Innovative Education on the Nanjing Massacre Featured on TVB News
In a recent segment on TVB News, the Hong Kong Holocaust and Tolerance Centre (HKHTC) showcased its innovative educational initiatives related to the Nanjing Massacre, coinciding with the 87th anniversary of the tragedy. Executive Director Simon K. Li discussed the Centre’s partnership with the University of Southern California’s Shoah Foundation, which utilizes artificial intelligence to create engaging educational experiences for students.
Through this initiative, students can participate in “face-to-face” dialogues with survivors of the Nanjing Massacre and comfort women, deepening their understanding of these critical historical events. Li highlighted that while history textbooks often focus on “cold, hard death tolls,” the Centre strives to inspire hope and resilience through the impactful stories of survivors. For more details, watch the segment here.
Remembering the Past: Prof. Mark Spigelman Featured in Ming Pao on International Holocaust Remembrance Day
HKHTC’s guest speaker for International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2025, Professor Mark Spigelman, is featured in today’s Ming Pao Daily News (27 January 2025). Please click here for Part 1 of the full news feature; and here for Part 2.
今日（2025.1.27）是聯合國緬懷猶太大屠殺遇難者國際紀念日。猶太大屠殺倖存者Mark Spigelman及其身為集中營倖存者後代的妻子Rachel近日應香港猶太大屠殺及寬容中心 (HKHTC) 從澳洲飛到香港，走訪不同學校介紹其個人故事和相關歷史。
今年是二戰結束80周年，猶太大屠殺倖存者一代逐漸凋零，這也令歷史和記憶傳承的工作更顯重要。Mark最近與Rachel接受《明報》訪問，他以個人經歷佐證教育對傳承歷史的重要⋯⋯ 詳情請見今天出版的《明報》專題報道。(請按此處: Part 1; Part 2)
HKHTC Condemns Antisemitic Violence in Amsterdam
The Hong Kong Holocaust and Tolerance Centre (HKHTC) strongly condemns the antisemitic violence against Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam, where individuals were brutally targeted in a so-called “Jew hunt.” This horrendous attack reflects a troubling resurgence of hatred that resonates globally.
This weekend marks the commemoration of Kristallnacht, a poignant reminder of the dangers of antisemitism. As our local Chinese community recently remembered this tragic event through HKHTC’s programming on the pogrom’s 86th anniversary, we are reminded of the urgent need to confront hatred in all its forms. The violence we witness today not only threatens Jewish communities but undermines the integrity of society as a whole.
We call on leaders and citizens worldwide to unite against antisemitism and reject all forms of hate. It is our shared responsibility to promote understanding and solidarity to build a more inclusive and respectful world for everyone.
As the only major Holocaust and tolerance centre located between Jerusalem and Sydney, the Hong Kong Holocaust and Tolerance Centre serves as a vital resource for advancing Holocaust education and fostering a culture of tolerance in a region that encompasses 60% of humanity. Dedicated to educating students and teachers about the Holocaust and other atrocities, HKHTC plays a crucial role in promoting understanding and empathy, aiming to cultivate a more inclusive society. Through our innovative initiatives, we seek to expand our regional impact and ensure that the lessons of history resonate deeply within communities. For more information, visit hkhtc.org.
HKHTC: Working with Media to Promote Responsible Reporting
In response to the recent use of Nazi era uniforms and the Nazi salute at a public event in Hong Kong and subsequent insensitive reporting by local journalists, the Hong Kong Holocaust and Tolerance Centre (HKHTC) has taken proactive steps to address the highly disrespectful and problematic situation, to avoid any repetition.
Working in collaboration with relevant media parties, the HKHTC has committed to providing Cantonese-language educational workshops for their editorial team. These workshops, scheduled to take place this month, will focus on enhancing awareness of the Holocaust and antisemitism, aiming to improve sensitivity and understanding among media professionals. The HKHTC plans to offer regular, ongoing training and workshops as a follow-up to these initial sessions.
The media company concerned has issued a public apology and removed the offensive content from its platform. In addition to this, the Hong Kong Journalists’ Association (HKJA) has also reiterated the importance of responsible reporting and reminded all major online media outlets to exercise extra caution during live broadcasts to prevent similar incidents.
The HKHTC strongly condemns all forms of prejudice, intolerance, and discrimination, reaffirming that such behaviour is unacceptable in Hong Kong, a diverse, inclusive and law-abiding society.
香港猶太大屠殺及寬容中心針對最近在香港一個公開活動中出現納粹
本中心與相關傳媒機構合作，
有關媒體機構已公開道歉，並從其平台上刪除冒犯性內容。
香港猶太大屠殺及寬容中心強烈譴責一切形式的偏見、
Condemnation of the Use of Nazi Symbols at a Public Event in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Holocaust and Tolerance Centre strongly condemns the use of Nazi era uniforms and the Nazi salute at a recent public event in Hong Kong. The actions were highly insensitive and disrespectful, as these symbols are reflective of the genocidal crimes of the Nazi regime and its profoundly dehumanising, antisemitic and racist ideology. The use of Nazi symbols in popular culture is deeply problematic and must not be tolerated.
These symbols of hate, ignorance and bigotry have no place in an open and tolerant society that is respectful of different faiths, cultures and traditions. Event organisers should take immediate action when confronted with such displays, as the use of Nazi symbols is not acceptable in any setting.
During the Holocaust, Nazi Germany and its allies persecuted, discriminated, expelled and murdered Jews and members of other minority groups. Over six million Jews were murdered. We call on all members of the community to refrain from trivialising or glamorising these historical atrocities.
香港猶太大屠殺及寬容中心強烈譴責最近在香港一個公開活動中使用
這些仇恨、無知和偏執的象徵在一個尊重不同信仰、
在猶太大屠殺期間，
HKHTC Statement on the Attack on the State of Israel
On October 7, 2023, a series of unprecedented large-scale and coordinated terrorist atrocities were perpetrated against the State of Israel. Israel finds itself in an ongoing state of war and national emergency.
Many friends and partners of the Hong Kong Holocaust and Tolerance Centre (HKHTC) find themselves under deadly attack.
We at the HKHTC stand in solidarity with Israel and our friends and partners there.
We hope and pray for their safety and mourn their losses.
We extend our most heartfelt sympathies to all the bereaved families who lost loved ones to these heinous and senseless terrorist attacks.
We strongly condemn terrorism.
We stand firm in the fight against antisemitism and intolerance.
We firmly reject any pretence to deny the State of Israel the right to exist and live in peace.
We welcome all efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution to a conflict which has caused so much human suffering.
The State of Israel is home to over 147,000 direct survivors of the Shoah. Many escaped the unimaginable barbarism of the Holocaust to rebuild their lives – and families – in Israel. Reports suggest that a wheel-chair bound Holocaust survivor was among the people abducted and currently held hostage.
Statement on the Tragic Shootings in Colorado Springs, Colorado
HKHTC sends its heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the tragic shootings at Club Q in Colorado Springs, Colorado. We condemn this horrific act of hatred and intolerance, motivated by homophobia. This senseless attack is a poignant reminder of the necessity of tolerance education. It remains critical that we further strengthen efforts to teach the importance of non-discrimination, while promoting peaceful co-existence among peoples of different backgrounds and sexual orientations.
Statement on the Racist Mass Shooting in Buffalo
HKHTC mourns the victims of the horrific shootings in Buffalo, New York. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the victims, as well as the communities targeted by the instigator of this brutal hate crime. This tragic attack — motivated by ethnic supremacist ideology — illustrates the continued necessity of tolerance education. It is imperative that we continue to strengthen efforts to teach the importance of non-discrimination and promote peaceful co-existence among peoples of different backgrounds.