On 3 September, 2015 over 200 members of the Jewish and Chinese communities, along with  Chinese diplomats, a host of MLCs, MPs, mayors and local councilors came together to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Shanghai Jewish Ghetto. The event was held at the Jewish Museum.

The event was co-hosted by the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, The Chinese Australian Forum, the Australian Chinese Community Association and the Chinese Australian Services Society.

Highlights of the night were the personal and touching testimonies from Professor Dan Yuan Tang and Mrs Gertie Jellenik who were witness to the pain and sufferings of the Jewish refugees. Mrs Jellenik paid tribute to the Chinese people who had helped her through the hard times that she faced at that time and whose life was endangered. Approximately 23000 refugees were relocated to the Shanghai Ghetto in the early 1940s, formally known as the Restricted Sector for Stateless Refugees. History has it that it was an area of approximately one square mile in the Hongkew district of Japanese-occupied Shanghai (the southern Hongkou and southwestern Yangpu districts of modern Shanghai).

Recognition was also given to those (attendees to the commemoration) who had lived in Shanghai or whose family members had witnessed the sufferings of the refugees.

ACCA cultural dancers in their colorful costumes performed beautifully to the delight of the attendees. The dance was soon followed by a performance from the CASS cultural dancers.

The 70^th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Shanghai Ghetto commemoration event was a night not to be forgotten. It was a stark reminder of the horrors of conflicts, war and displacement of people and for many from their loved ones.

(Photos: courtesy of Jewish Board of Deputies)

Felix Lam

President

28 September 2015