In celebration of Jewish and Asian Heritage Month in May, the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto is partnering with Baycrest to host the Tribute to Friendship: The Jewish Experience in Shanghai exhibition. The exhibition highlights the works of Jewish and Chinese artists that explore the 1000-year historical legacy of Jewish experience in China, with a special focus on the Jews of Shanghai.  Featured artists: Gina Godfrey, Eric Goldstaub, Henry Ho, Leng Hong, Ian Leventhal, Melanie Siegel and Stephen Yau.

Jewish life in China began in 960 CE when Jewish traders from Persia settled in the Sung Dynasty Capital of Kaifeng. During World War II, Shanghai became a safe haven for tens of thousands of Jewish refugees. Jewish life continues to flourish in China to this day.

It has been over 20 years since the two communities co-presented the Gift of Friendship, an art collection that eventually travelled to its new home in Shanghai. Much has changed in twenty years and spectres of racism have been acutely experienced by both communities. In recognition of the fight against xenophobia, the Tribute to Friendship exhibition is supported by the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, Stronger Together, Judaic Heritage Project and the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto (CCCGT). 

The exhibition will be on display until October 2025.