Lost anti-fascist Yiddish songs from World War II are premiering in Asia, with performances in Shanghai, a city that sheltered 18,000 Jewish refugees. The project, conceived by University of Toronto academic Anna Shternshis and musician Psoy Korolenko, highlights the historical significance of Shanghai.

Lost anti-fascist Yiddish language songs from World War II will be making their Asian debut this month. Yiddish Glory will be performing in Shanghai, a city where some 18,000 Jewish refugees found shelter from the Nazis, Hong Kong and in South Korea. The project is the brainchild of University of Toronto academic Anna Shternshis, who said Shanghai’s own history gave the choice of venue an extra significance, and songwriter and musician Psoy Korolenko. Their performances, which combine live music...