On January 27, 2026, a ceremony was held at the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum to mark the United Nations International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Diplomats, officials, and descendants of survivors gathered to honor the victims and reaffirm a collective commitment to safeguarding historical truth and opposing hatred.
The event was jointly organized by the consulates general of Israel, the United Kingdom, and Argentina in Shanghai, representing the current, past, and incoming chairs of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).
Chen Jian, director of the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum, delivered the opening remarks. He described the history of Shanghai's acceptance of Jewish refugees as a testament to "one of the brightest chapters of humanity and friendship forged in adversity."
Chen emphasized that the mutual support between the Chinese and Jewish peoples during times of suffering highlights the profound strength of solidarity. He called on the international community to transform this historical goodwill into a lasting driving force for dialogue, peace, and development.
Ravit Baer, consul general of Israel in Shanghai, delivered an address, describing the Holocaust not merely as a tragedy for the Jewish people but as a "collapse of civilization itself."
Expressing gratitude to Shanghai for opening its gates during humanity's darkest years, Baer noted that this act of kindness forged an enduring bond between the two nations. Addressing the persistence of modern antisemitism, she said, "Remembering the past is therefore not only an act of mourning, but a call to vigilance, compassion, and responsibility."
Baer invited attendees to sign the "Survivors' Declaration," elevating historical memory into a global moral pledge. She also touched upon the recent return of the remains of hostage Ran Gvili, noting that on a day dedicated to remembering the cost of betraying humanity, his return was a declaration that "we will not forget, we will not give up, and we will never abandon anyone."
British Consul General Matt Burney reviewed the UK's tenure as IHRA chair, highlighting initiatives such as the "My Hometown" transnational education project and the "80 Objects—80 Lives" digital exhibition. He announced that the UK, the first country to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism, had committed £72 million over the next four years to protect the safety of the Jewish community.
Luciano Tanto Clement, consul general of Argentina in Shanghai, spoke on behalf of the incoming IHRA chair. He noted that Argentina, which accepted approximately 5,000 Holocaust survivors, remains committed to promoting Holocaust education and fighting terrorism and hatred, particularly across Latin America.
Aviv Ezra, deputy director general of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended as a special guest. He stated, "Hatred must never go unanswered. Indifference is never an option. Silence is complicity!" Highlighting Israel's resilience, he expressed hope that China and Israel would deepen their cooperation, transforming shared historical memory into lasting peace.
The ceremony concluded with a tribute. Izhak Lax, a representative of the second generation of Holocaust survivors, shared his family's story and urged the public to take immediate action against violence.
Accompanied by the somber melodies of "Song Without a Name," performed on saxophone and trombone by musicians Tamir and Eldad, six representatives lit memorial candles. The hall observed a moment of silence to pay tribute to the millions of lives lost.
Coinciding with the ceremony, the museum launched a special exhibition titled "Stars without a Heaven: Children in the Holocaust." The exhibit features 27 panels focusing on the lives of Jewish children during the Holocaust. Through drawings, poems, and letters created in the depths of despair, the exhibition reveals how these children used creativity to hold onto hope, offering a poignant glimpse into their spiritual resilience.
- Edited by Katherine Guo
