Yom Hazikaron or Remembrance Day for Israel’s Fallen and Victims of Terror was observed in Israel and throughout the Diaspora. In Hong Kong, a memorial event was held on 22 April at the Jewish Community Centre.

The event was attended by well over three hundred members of Hong Kong’s Jewish community, filling the Garden Room to its maximum capacity. There were many Israeli children present, but Diaspora Jews were also well represented.  

The ceremony officially commenced with the lighting of a memorial candle by Ishay Haramaty, UIA-KH representative to the region, and Yizkor recited by Rabbi David Kopstein of United Jewish Congregation.

Rabbi Mordechai Avtzon recited “Psalm 85”. The mood was further enhanced by the beautiful singing of Julie Howard and Natali Nagar.

Gal Avisar, Or Gil and Or Winfield all also participated by reading selected passages.

The carefully selected Psalms, readings and moving songs drew on participation from many other members of the community. Many attendees were moved to whisper the words along with the presenters.

Consul General Dan Ben-Eliezer delivered a moving address in both Hebrew and English. “This is the price of the long voyage of the Jewish people over thousand years of history and of the Israeli people since the establishment of the State,” he stated.

He concluded by reminding that, “We can and must educate our children in their spirit;  to love with all our might our small country, the cradle of our homeland and freedom we have purchased with blood;  to protect it from enemy;  and to take pride in it and work ceaselessly towards progress and peace.”

The sheer number of people alone that made it their priority to be present, alone was moving. Many people were brought to tears during the event. There were few present that had not been touched personally by our struggle as a people in the fight for Israeli Independence, freedom and safety.

The sounds of Hatikva, recited from a place deep within the hearts of all the attendees filled the room. It brought people back home.