Why Jewish refugees in World War II Hong Kong endured torrid times, as new research reveals their complicated stories
- Hong Kong was primarily a port of transit for Jewish refugees during the war, but they faced discrimination both as refugees and for their nationalities
- An exhibit by the Goethe-Institut Hong Kong unveils new research from the Hong Kong Heritage Project on refugees’ experiences in the city during that period
A new exhibit hosted by the Goethe-Institut Hong Kong shines light on previously little-known experiences of European Jews fleeing Nazi persecution during World War II.
The exhibit, called “Jewish Life in Germany and Escape Destination Hong Kong”, opened on November 11 and features a variety of multimedia content and information exploring the lengthy history of Jews in Germany.
It begins with the first documented mention of Jewish life in the region under the Roman Empire in the fourth century AD, and briefly presents the modern history of Jewish life in the country, including the Holocaust genocide under Nazi Germany and the present return of Jewish life in the country.
The event ties into Hong Kong’s history by presenting new research unveiled by the Hong Kong Heritage Project, which reveals a complicated story surrounding Jews from Germany and Austria fleeing Nazi oppression and coming to Hong Kong.
Photos of historical moments and copies of transit documents are on display, with a look into the short, but intense, history of Jewish World War II refugees in Hong Kong.