A Night of Remembrance and Resilience
The Hong Kong Holocaust and Tolerance Centre had the profound honour of hosting the annual United Nations Holocaust Memorial Day (UNHMD) commemoration on January 20, 2025, at the Jewish Community Centre.
This year, we marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, a pivotal moment in history. The evening included the poignant lighting of six candles, each representing the six million Jews who perished during the Holocaust.
Our keynote speaker, Holocaust survivor Professor Mark Spigelman, shared his harrowing yet inspiring journey of survival during World War II. His story is a testament to the incredible resilience of those who endured unimaginable hardships. Mark’s experiences remind us of the vital importance of remembering our history to prevent such atrocities from happening again.
Born in November 1940 in Poland, Mark’s remarkable journey began with his mother’s brave decision to disguise him as a girl to evade Nazi capture—a daring act that saved his life. Together, his family faced unimaginable challenges, hiding in ghettos, bunkers, and even rubbish tips.
A fascinating connection—Mark is also a cousin of Art Spiegelman, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Maus: A Survivor’s Tale. This graphic novel powerfully illustrates the complexities of survival and the enduring impact of trauma from the Holocaust, with Mark’s own experiences woven into its narrative.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Benjamin Fok Chun-yue for his generous support of this year’s UN Holocaust Memorial Day educational programmes, and to Cathay Pacific, our official Travel Sponsor.
Let us continue to honour the past and ensure that the lessons learned guide us toward a more compassionate future.