Photo of the day No. 46 - Jewish Cemetery in Hong Kong
A historic oasis of peace, established in the mid 1850's
Me Jamie, your host, I am English and I have lived in Hong Kong for 53 years - I know the place.
I have personally completed 2,340+ Private Tours and Experiences (over 6,000+ guests) since April 2011 and I am considered one of the finest Private Tour Guides in Asia.
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Photo of the day No. 46 - Jewish Cemetery in Hong Kong
A historic oasis of peace, established in the mid 1850's
Jewish History in Hong Kong - a beautiful, serene place and quite difficult to locate
click on the image to enlarge
The World according to Grok
I am warming up to Grok AI - if you ask the right question is collates information in a very professional and seamless manner Case in point - the history of the Jewish Cemetery in Happy Valley in Hong Kong.
I have been studying Jewish Heritage and Culture in Hong Kong for 15 years now and if you hadn’t guessed I am not a journalist not am I gifted writer in any shape or form, but… as I write more I am enjoying the process more and AI in a small way is helping me
So below is the text about the history of the Jewish Cemetery in Happy Valley in Hong Kong | I have added in a fair bit of additional text which was missing so to speak to give a more complete picture.
I do need to point out that it is a difficult location to access and not easy to find but I absolutely recommend a visit.
The Jewish Cemetery in Happy Valley, Hong Kong, is a significant historical site, reflecting the presence and contributions of the Jewish community in the region since the mid-19th century. Here is a detailed history based on available information:
Establishment and Early History
Happy Valley is home to the world famous Happy Valley Race Track and is a short distance away from the cemetery
The Jewish Cemetery in Happy Valley was established in 1855 on a 10,750-square-foot plot of farmland acquired by David Sassoon, a prominent member of the Anglo-Jewish Sassoon family, from the British Crown with a 999-year lease. The cemetery was officially opened by his son, Reuben David Sassoon, to serve the growing Jewish community in Hong Kong, which was expanding due to an influx of foreign traders, particularly from Iraq and India. A dedication plaque in Hebrew, set into the cemetery's back wall, commemorates its opening in 1855, though the official land indenture is dated June 23, 1858. The first burial took place in 1857.
The cemetery was built on what was originally a swampy, malaria-prone area, previously used as rice paddies by villagers from So Kun Po. The British colonial government drained much of the Happy Valley area to combat disease, and the name "Happy Valley" was a euphemism to counteract the area's association with cemeteries, as it became a burial ground for various communities.
I always get the feeling that most Hong Kong residents prefer to gloss over and forget the origins of Happy Valley and I have to say it is odd that there are so many cemeteries surrounding the Happy Valley Horse Racing Track
Expansion and Development
In 1906, during the tenure of Sir Matthew Nathan, Hong Kong’s only Jewish governor, (Nathan Road in Kowloon is named after him) additional land was granted on a 75-year lease, which was later renewed for 150 years in 1981. This expansion allowed for the construction of a small chapel, a tahara (ritual purity) room, a fountain, and other facilities. The cemetery is divided into four (or five, according to some sources) sections, reflecting different periods and community demographics
Cultural and Demographic Significance
The cemetery reflects the diversity of Hong Kong’s Jewish community. Initially, it primarily served Sephardi Jews, many of whom were related to the Sassoon family and other Baghdadi Jewish traders who established themselves in Hong Kong as part of their trade networks across Asia. The graves of prominent families like the Sassoons, Kadoories, Gubbays, and Belilios are notable, with ornate Sephardi-style sarcophagi, some featuring white marble Ionic canopies.
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, an influx of Ashkenazi Jews, particularly Russian Jews fleeing the 1917 Russian Revolution, altered the community’s demographics. This is evident in the cemetery’s eastern section, where Ashkenazi graves, some with Russian inscriptions and unique features like cameo images, are clustered. The separation of Sephardi and Ashkenazi graves reflects the social distinctions of the time, as the two communities often kept to themselves.The cemetery also contains graves with inscriptions in multiple languages, including Hebrew, English, Dutch, French, and German, illustrating the global origins of Hong Kong’s Jewish population. Notable burials include members of the Kadoorie family, who founded the CLP Group and the Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels Group which owns and operates the Peninsula Hotel Group, the Peak Tram and Peak Tower and multiple residential and commercial buildings and others who contributed to Hong Kong’s colonial-era development.
The Sassoon Family which was one of the first major Jewish families in Hong Kong have faded from memory in Hong Kong with their legacy being the Ohel Leah Synagogue and Sassoon Road in Pok Fu Lam on Hong Kong Island.
World War II and Commonwealth War Graves
The cemetery includes two World War II war graves and one non-war service grave, maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. These are located near an ornamental fountain south of the cemetery’s synagogue. Hong Kong fell to Japanese forces on Christmas Day 1941(with the surrender ceremony being held in room 336 of the Peninsula Hotel, owned by the Kadoorie family) after intense fighting, and these graves likely commemorate individuals who died during this period or as prisoners of war.
Modern Context and Preservation
Today, the cemetery remains in use, though burials are infrequent, with approximately 300 graves in total. It is managed by Jones Lang Lasalle Management Services and overseen by the Ohel Leah Synagogue Charity, which ensures its upkeep. The cemetery is an oasis of tranquility amidst high-rise apartment blocks, flanked by a Buddhist temple and school, symbolizing Hong Kong’s cultural diversity. Visitors enter through a heavy iron gate on Shan Kwong Road, marked by Star of David symbols, and the grounds feature manicured lawns, frangipani and jackfruit trees, and a peaceful ambiance.
he cemetery’s historical and cultural significance is highlighted by guided tours, such as those led by Howard Elias of the Jewish Historical Society of Hong Kong. These tours share stories of notable residents and lesser-known individuals who shaped Hong Kong’s history, as well as efforts to maintain the cemetery. One compelling story involves a Jewish man buried there who had a child with a local Chinese woman, leading to a reconnection of their descendants decades later through community efforts.
Unique Features and Cultural Exchange
The cemetery is one of the few Jewish cemeteries in the Far East still in its original 19th-century location, making it a rare historical site. Its graves reflect the challenges faced by early Jewish immigrants, including plagues and tropical diseases, as well as the community’s contributions to Hong Kong’s growth as a trading hub. The presence of a Buddhist temple and school nearby underscores Hong Kong’s multicultural fabric, with the cemetery serving as a testament to cultural exchange. For example, the Belilios family’s ornate graves and the Kadoorie family’s contributions to Hong Kong’s infrastructure highlight the community’s impact.
Visiting and Legacy
The cemetery is open to the public, accessible via Shan Kwong Road, and is a recommended stop for those interested in Hong Kong’s colonial history and religious diversity. It is part of the broader Happy Valley cemetery complex, which includes Hindu, Parsee, Catholic, Muslim, and Protestant cemeteries, reflecting the city’s cosmopolitan past. The Jewish Cemetery’s well-maintained grounds and historical significance make it a poignant reminder of the Jewish community’s enduring presence in Hong Kong.
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The Kadoorie family is one of the two great names in Jewish Heritage and Culture in Hong Kong, the other being the Sassoon Family.
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The imposing gate at the Jewish Cemetery in Hong Kong - walk the full length of the path that you see and turn right.
My insider tip
Please note that in general if you book a tour on Viator or Tripadvisor you generally have NO control over what guide will lead your Private Tour of Hong Kong and this is the most important component of the tour. I urge you to check the actual company website and book via their website and do not forget to read Tripadvisor reviews as well.
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