In 1938, 6-year-old Sigmund Tobias and his family fled from their home in Berlin, Germany, to Japanese-ruled Hongkew, one of the poorest parts of Shanghai, China. There they lived as refugees along with 17,000 other European Jews for more than 10 years.
Tobias will share his story as he addresses the topic “Strange Haven: Fleeing the Holocaust to Shanghai” as the featured speaker for the Tulsa Council for Holocaust Education’s 20th Annual Yom HaShoah/Interfaith Holocaust Commemoration on Thursday, April 20 at 7 p.m. at Congregation B’nai Emunah, 1719 S. Owasso Ave. The public is invited to the free presentation, which is recommended for ages 12 and older.
Parking is limited at B’nai Emunah. Arrive early to ensure parking availability. Carpooling is encouraged.
After the commemoration, Tobias will sign copies of his memoir “Strange Haven: A Jewish Childhood in Wartime Shanghai,” which chronicles his family’s journey as refugees. Copies of the book will be available to purchase at the commemoration or may be purchased in advance at the Jewish Federation of Tulsa, 2021 E. 71st St.
The Holocaust Commemoration is sponsored by the Tulsa Council for Holocaust Education (a committee of the Jewish Federation of Tulsa) and the Tulsa City-County Library, in cooperation with dozens of local interfaith and community organizations.
As in past years, the commemoration program includes an exhibit of artwork created by Tulsa area students of the Holocaust. In addition, there will be a candle lighting in memory of those who were murdered in the Holocaust. Plus, the Tulsa City-County Library will have available for checkout many Holocaust books and media.
To complement the commemoration, the Circle Cinema, 10 S. Lewis, will show “Shanghai Ghetto” on Sunday, April 2 at 2 p.m. Narrated by Academy Award winner Martin Landau, this powerful documentary features interviews of survivors and historians, rare letters, stock footage, still photos and footage shot in modern Shanghai where most of the Jewish Ghetto remains unchanged. Visit www.circlecinema.com or call 918-585-3504 for ticket information.
Contact the Jewish Federation of Tulsa at 918-495-1100 for more information about the commemoration.