In memory of those who suffered
In the first-ever ceremony of its kind in Hong Kong, a group of Jewish teenagers gathered at a synagogue in Mid-Levels to observe the International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
They read out diaries of children who suffered from Nazi persecution during the second world war.
Standing behind an altar at Ohel Leah Synagogue last Monday, the students sang hymns as they commemorated the victims of the Holocaust in which about six million European Jews were killed by the German regime led by Adolf Hitler.
Sixteen-year-old Yasha Drmut-Durbin's family suffered from the wartime atrocities committed by the Nazis.
'I have 15 close family members who were murdered by the Nazis,' said the Year 11 student from South Island School.
'We couldn't pin down the exact number of casualties in the extended family as no one was left to keep records.
'My grandmother was 13 when she was separated from her family by the Nazis. From then on, she lived in fear for her life.'
Although the Holocaust took place more than six decades ago, the Jewish teenagers believe this dark chapter in mankind's history remains relevant even today.
'History repeats itself. Racism remains a scourge on humanity even to this day,' said Daniel Metoudi, 14, a student from Island School.
'Humanity can only progress if we look back on our past and make amends for our wrongful deeds.'
Proposed by Israel, the resolution to designate January 27 as the International Holocaust Remembrance Day was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2005. It is a significant date since the notorious Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland was liberated by the Soviet army on January 27, 1945.
'I hope we can turn this ceremony into an annual event,' said Rachel Zweig from Chinese International School. Some of her relatives also perished during the Holocaust.
'The pain and suffering endured during the Holocaust remain etched in our collective psyche. The event can give Jewish children a chance to share how they feel,' said Rachel.
Israel's consul general, Dan Ben Eliezer, said the Holocaust provided a valuable lesson for future generations. 'The Holocaust is a symbol of the monstrous hatred of Jews. It shocked the foundations of civilisation,' said Mr Eliezer.
'The remembrance day should be observed [annually] so that future generations can be spared [such] horror and atrocities.'