Remembering the Past: Prof. Mark Spigelman Featured in Ming Pao on International Holocaust Remembrance Day

2025-06-07T18:36:05+08:00Tags: |

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)

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Honouring Resilience 2025: Dialogues with Holocaust Survivors on HK and Macau’s Campuses

2025-06-07T18:37:33+08:00Tags: |

As HKHTC’s Special Educational Event Series continues to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation and the end of World War II, Holocaust survivor Mark Spigelman joined Simon K. Li, HKHTC Executive Director and Senior Fellow at the University of Southern California’s Shoah Foundation, for a series of dialogue events across various schools and college campuses in both Hong Kong and Macau. These sessions engaged primary and secondary school students, as well as university students, in meaningful discussions.

In addition, Rachel Spigelman, the child of Holocaust survivors and accomplished author of Blue Eyes Wide Open, spent time with schoolchildren for a reading and discussion centered on her father’s wartime stories.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the students from our partner schools and colleges for their enthusiastic engagement. Their thoughtful and insightful questions made this month truly memorable as they learned about Professor Spigelman’s story of resilience and survival during wartime.

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Ming Pao Daily Features HKHTC’s Innovative Educational Initiative on Teaching the Nanjing Atrocities

2025-06-07T18:10:13+08:00Tags: |

In a recent feature by Ming Pao Daily News on the eve of the 87th anniversary of the Nanjing Massacre, the Hong Kong Holocaust and Tolerance Centre (HKHTC) highlighted its innovative educational initiatives regarding the Nanjing atrocities. Executive Director Simon K. Li discussed the Centre’s collaboration with the University of Southern California’s Shoah Foundation, which leverages artificial intelligence to create interactive educational experiences for students.

This initiative allows students to engage in “face-to-face” dialogues with survivors of the Nanjing Massacre and comfort women, enhancing their understanding of these historical events. As Li emphasized, while history textbooks often present “cold, hard death tolls,” the Centre aims to instill hope and resilience through the powerful testimonies of survivors. You can read the full article here.

//【明報專訊】歷史教育不時觸及見證人的口述證言，本身推動了解二戰納粹大屠殺及反戰教育的香港猶太大屠殺及寬容中心，近日與美國南加州大學合作，透過人工智能（AI）將南京大屠殺、慰安婦倖存者「帶入」校園，讓學生與倖存者「面對面」對答，認識戰爭慘劇。中心行政總監、美國南加州大學猶太大屠殺基金會高級學人李家豪表示，歷史教科書多着眼於「冷冰冰的死亡數字」，盼藉倖存者的不屈經歷，教曉學生「（絕境時）不失盼望地撐下去」。//

( [Ming Pao Daily News] History education often touches upon the oral testimonies of victims and witnesses. The Hong Kong Holocaust and Tolerance Centre, which promotes understanding of Holocaust and tolerance education, has recently collaborated with the University of Southern California’s Shoah Foundation. Through artificial intelligence (AI), they aim to “bring” survivors of the Nanjing Massacre and comfort women into local classrooms, allowing students to engage in “face-to-face” dialogue with survivors and learn about the different aspects of the war. The Centre’s Executive Director and USC Shoah Foundation’s Senior Nonresidential Fellow, Simon K. Li, stated that history textbooks often focus on “cold, hard death tolls” and hope to teach students to “hold onto hope and persevere” in times of despair…) 

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Yom HaShoah Commemoration 2025/5785: 80 Years Since Liberation

2025-06-07T17:22:49+08:00Tags: |

 

A Night of Remembrance: 80 Years Since Liberation

This week, we came together in our annual Yom HaShoah commemoration to remember the six million souls lost during the Holocaust

Through impactful narratives and archival footage from the liberation of Bergen-Belsen 80 years ago, along with moments of solemn reflection, we stood in solidarity.

The Hong Kong Holocaust & Tolerance Centre remains committed to promoting tolerance education and preserving the vital lessons of history, ensuring that future generations will never forget.

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HKHTC-ASHK WWII Memorial Dinner Featuring Prof. Rana Mitter & Holocaust Survivor Mark Spigelman

2025-06-07T17:34:52+08:00Tags: |

Memorial Reception and Dinner Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the End of World War II 

In partnership with Asia Society Hong Kong Center (ASHK), the Hong Kong Holocaust and Tolerance Centre (HKHTC) proudly hosted a memorial reception and dinner commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. 

We were honoured to hear from Harvard University’s Professor Rana Mitter, who shared insights on China’s role in WWII, and Holocaust survivor Professor Mark Spigelman (along with Mrs Rachel Spigelman), whose powerful story of resilience serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering our history to prevent future atrocities.

As part of this event, we showcased innovative stations that offered educators and students a glimpse into the transformative use of AI and VR in Holocaust and tolerance education. Attendees experienced the groundbreaking Dimensions in Testimony project (featuring former comfort woman survivor Grandma Peng as well as Nanjing Massacre survivor Madame Xia) and the immersive VR experience, The Last Goodbye, featuring the testimony of Holocaust survivor Pinchas Gutter. 

This pilot project, which is in partnership with the USC Shoah Foundation and includes the testimony of a comfort woman for the first time ever in an AI format, allows audiences to engage in real-time conversations with these remarkable individuals, ensuring their stories are heard and remembered. For more details, please check out this recent SCMP feature.

We invite you to watch the two-part memorial event video here: Part One, and Part Two

Together, we honour the past and strive to ensure that these stories continue to inspire future generations. 

 
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Auschwitz 80th Anniversary: UN Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration 2025

2025-01-22T22:45:04+08:00Tags: |

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.

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Remembering Kristallnacht in Hong Kong

2024-11-10T23:32:43+08:00Tags: |

This weekend (November 9 and 10) marks the 86th anniversary of Kristallnacht (the Night of Broken Glass), a pivotal moment in the Nazi persecution of Jews. What began as nonviolent discrimination escalated dramatically during those two days in 1938, when Gestapo-led mobs violently destroyed Jewish businesses and homes, resulting in 91 deaths and the arrest of 30,000 Jewish men. Over 200 synagogues were set ablaze, while firefighters were ordered to let them burn.

In remembrance of this tragic event, HKHTC’s Executive Director and USC Shoah Foundation’s Senior Fellow, Simon K. Li, delivered a lecture titled “Remembering Kristallnacht” to the local Chinese community. The audience engaged deeply, raising important questions about Kristallnacht, the Holocaust, and the rising tide of antisemitism globally.

Join us in reflecting on this dark chapter of history and its relevance today.

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HKHTC Condemns Antisemitic Violence in Amsterdam

2024-11-10T21:36:04+08:00Tags: |

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.

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HKHTC: Working with Media to Promote Responsible Reporting

2024-10-01T08:31:35+08:00Tags: |

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時代制服及納粹軍禮的行為，以及其後有本地傳媒機構的直播主持也行納粹軍禮，已採取積極措施處理這不可接受的情況，以避免再次發生。

本中心與相關傳媒機構合作，承諾為編輯團隊提供猶太大屠殺教育的粵語工作坊。這些工作坊將於本月舉行，重點是加強傳媒工作者對大屠殺和反猶主義的認識，以提高他們的理解和敏感度。我們計劃在此之後，繼續為傳媒機構提供定期、持續的相關培訓與猶太大屠殺教育講座。

有關媒體機構已公開道歉，並從其平台上刪除冒犯性內容。除此之外，香港記者協會亦重申負責任報道的重要性，並提醒各大網上媒體在直播時要格外謹慎，避免類似事件發生。

香港猶太大屠殺及寬容中心強烈譴責一切形式的偏見、不容忍和歧視，重申在香港這個多元、包容和守法的社會，這些行為是不可接受的。

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Condemnation of the Use of Nazi Symbols at a Public Event in Hong Kong

2024-10-01T08:29:06+08:00Tags: |

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納粹時代制服和納粹敬禮的行為。這些參與者的行為都是極其不恰當和不尊重的，因為該些符號反映了納粹政權的種族滅絕罪及其違背人性、反猶太和種族主義的意識形態。在流行文化中使用納粹符號極有問題，絕不能容忍。

這些仇恨、無知和偏執的象徵在一個尊重不同信仰、文化和傳統的開放包容的社會中並沒有存在的空間。活動組織者在遇到這種展示時應立即採取行動，因為在任何場合使用納粹符號都是不可接受的。

在猶太大屠殺期間，納粹德國及其盟友持續對猶太人和其他少數族群成員進行迫害、歧視、驅逐和殺害。超過六百萬猶太人在這場種族大屠殺中被殺。我們呼籲社會大眾不要輕視或美化這些歷史暴行。

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