TRIBUTE TO FRIENDSHIP EXHIBITION
Images from Tribute to Friendship Exhibition
Preface
by Deborah Lau-Yu
Did you know that there is an intricate and intimate relationship between the Chinese and Jewish communities? Several years ago, I learned about this incredible story in history from Ian Leventhal while we were both attending an exhibition at Gina Godfrey’s art gallery. In the 1949s, Shanghai, China was one of the few places in the world that would take in Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany. It is one of the most extraordinary stories in Shanghai's history, as the story takes an ominous detour for the refugees who made it so far across the world to a safe city that would ultimately fall into the hands of their enemy’s ally Japan during World War II in 1941. And there, many Jewish refugees were rounded up and confined into an area called Tilanqiao, which became both the Jewish ghetto and a safe place for the refugees. Remarkably, a good number of the refugees survived the war and then moved onto other countries thereafter. But in Shanghai today, we can still see remnants of history with the Star of David and other Jewish symbolism on a few brick buildings in the central district that remind us of this deeply rooted relationship in history between the two cultures. It certainly gives meaning and welcomes the spirit of friendship with far greater context for the two diaspora groups of Chinese and Jewish-Canadians.
Enjoy the artwork of the exhibition and the story behind every creation.
Event story
by Angela Chan, President, Chinese Cultural Centre
Travels on the Silk Road, textile installation - Melanie Siegel
Judeo Asian Illuminations by Gina Godfrey
On May 25th, in celebration of Jewish and Asian Heritage month, the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto hosted the TRIBUTE TO FRIENDSHIP EXHIBITION.
Opening night highlighted the cross cultural experiences of the two cultures, and featured the works of over 25 Jewish and Chinese artists who explored the 1000 year historical legacy of the Jewish and Chinese communities.
On display was a montage of Jewish-Chinese architectural treasures of Shanghai, by Clifford Korman of Kirkor Architects, and to round out the sensory experience, guests were treated to an array of dishes prepared by David Schwartz of Mimi Chinese and Derek Wasser of Food Dudes.
Guests were also entertained by the erhuist George Gao, the Mulan Chinese Dancers, and watched films prepared by the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum, and Len Rosen. Musical performances by Klezmer Fusion artists, Beyond the Pale, and the Holy Blossom Temple Singers, led by Cantor David Rosen rounded out the evening. The grand finale was a dazzling digital art projection by artist Gina Godfrey, titled “Judeo Asian Illuminations”, that lit up the night. Special thanks to our cultural partner, DiverseCity Expo, supported by Baycrest and the staff and volunteers at the Chinese Cultural Centre for making the event a success.
* The exhibition continues until June 8th, open 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, 5183 Sheppard Ave. E., Scarborough, ON. Inquiries 416-292-9293 X 232.
sponsored by ferris wheel press.
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