HKHTC hosted the United Nations Holocaust Memorial Day (“UNHMD”) commemoration on 23 January at Hong Kong’s Sai Ying Pun Community Complex. Budapest-born Holocaust survivor, Ms Eva Koralnik, delivered a moving and memorable keynote address to over 250 people. Eva told the incredible story of her escape from Nazi-occupied Hungary in 1944 and the noble actions of Swiss diplomat Dr Harald Feller to save Eva, her family, and many others. Dr Feller was later officially recognized as a Righteous Among the Nations. Eva’s deeply personal and eloquent account was a reminder of the terrifying consequences of hatred and intolerance, as well as the great difference one individual, such as Dr Feller, can make in our world. The UNHMD ceremony also included many commemorative activities, including the lighting of six candles in memory of the six million Jews who were murdered in the Holocaust. Consistent with the commemoration’s theme of “Being a Woman in the Holocaust”, the six candles were lit by female members of the community, following an introduction by Consul General Ahuva Spieler of the Consulate General of Israel in Hong Kong and Macau. Attending dignitaries included the Hong Kong SAR’s first and former Chief Executive, the Honourable Tung Chee-hwa, and the HKSAR’s Permanent Secretary for Education Mrs Ingrid Yeung. Many Consuls General, business leaders, and members of the local community also attended.
The UNHMD commemoration and related activities were made possible by the Fok Ying Tung Foundation’s generous sponsorship. Cathay Pacific also provided strong support.