An online holocaust memorial event in Germany organized by the Israeli embassy was disrupted during Zoom video conferencing after a survivor began sharing his story.&nbsp;

Jeremy Issacharoff, Israel’s ambassador to Germany said: "During a Zoom meeting on the eve of holocaust memorial day by the embassy of Israel in Berlin that hosted survivor Zvi Herschel, anti-Israel activists disrupted his talk posting pictures of Hitler and shouting anti-semitic slogans. The event had to be suspended."

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During a zoom meeting on the eve of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Holocaust?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Holocaust</a> Memorial Day by the Embassy of Israel in Berlin that hosted survivor Zvi Herschel, anti-Israel activists disrupted his talk posting pictures of Hitler and shouting anti-Semitic slogans. The event had to be suspended. 1/
— Jeremy Issacharoff (@JIssacharoff) <a href="https://twitter.com/JIssacharoff/status/1252471414617186305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"After a short break the event was reconvened without the activists and conducted in an appropriate and respectful way," Issacharoff said, adding,"to dishonour the memory of the holocaust and the dignity of the survivor is beyond shame and disgrace and shows the blatant antisemitic nature of the activists."

The Remembrance Day could not be held due to the coronavirus pandemic and rules restricting gatherings in Germany which has reported several thousand cases of COVID-19&nbsp;with over three thousand deaths.

The online event was held to sanctify the memory of six million Jews murdered by Nazi Germany during Hitler's regime.&nbsp;

Herschel, a child survivor of the holocaust&nbsp;said the event had just started when it was "gatecrashed" by anonymous protesters.

They shouted "Palestine, Palestine" and showed "porno pictures, Hitler pictures, a Swastika... all sorts of things," Herschel told AFP

German foreign minister Heiko Maas said it was an "incredible lack of respect toward survivors and the memory of the deceased", adding, "it's an indescribable disgrace."

The identity of the anti-Semitic protesters could not be ascertained.

An online holocaust memorial event in Germany organized by the Israeli embassy was disrupted during Zoom video conferencing after a survivor began sharing his story.

An online holocaust memorial event in Germany organized by the Israeli embassy was disrupted during Zoom video conferencing after a survivor began sharing his story. Jeremy Issacharoff, Israel’s ambassador to Germany said: "During a Zoom meeting on the eve of holocaust memorial day by the embassy of Israel in Berlin that hosted survivor Zvi Herschel, anti-Israel activists disrupted his talk posting pictures of Hitler and shouting anti-semitic slogans. The event had to be suspended." During a zoom meeting on the eve of #Holocaust Memorial Day by the Embassy of Israel in Berlin that hosted survivor Zvi Herschel, anti-Israel activists disrupted his talk posting pictures of Hitler and shouting anti-Semitic slogans. The event had to be suspended. 1/ — Jeremy Issacharoff (@JIssacharoff) April 21, 2020 × "After a short break the event was reconvened without the activists and conducted in an appropriate and respectful way," Issacharoff said, adding,"to dishonour the memory of the holocaust and the dignity of the survivor is beyond shame and disgrace and shows the blatant antisemitic nature of the activists." The Remembrance Day could not be held due to the coronavirus pandemic and rules restricting gatherings in Germany which has reported several thousand cases of COVID-19 with over three thousand deaths. The online event was held to sanctify the memory of six million Jews murdered by Nazi Germany during Hitler's regime. Herschel, a child survivor of the holocaust said the event had just started when it was "gatecrashed" by anonymous protesters. They shouted "Palestine, Palestine" and showed "porno pictures, Hitler pictures, a Swastika... all sorts of things," Herschel told AFP German foreign minister Heiko Maas said it was an "incredible lack of respect toward survivors and the memory of the deceased", adding, "it's an indescribable disgrace." The identity of the anti-Semitic protesters could not be ascertained.

Online holocaust event on Zoom disrupted by anti-Semitic protesters in Germany

April 13 in history: First transport satellite launched, Jallianwala Bagh massacre and more

April 9 in history: First public art exhibition, Germany invades Denmark and more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-navy-defies-trump-proceeds-in-effort-to-expel-seal-264269">US Navy</a> will honour Doris Miller, an African American hero of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/80-years-since-world-war-ii-timeline-of-worlds-deadliest-conflict-246168">World War II</a> by naming a new aircraft carrier after him, the BBC reported.

This will be the first carrier to be named after an African American.

Miller was a decorated veteran of the war who had demonstrated extreme valour by defending the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-pearl-harbor-naval-base-under-lockdown-3-injured-266492">Pearl Harbor</a> in the 1941 attack on the Hawaii naval base.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/80-years-since-world-war-ii-timeline-of-worlds-deadliest-conflict-246168">80 years since World War II: Timeline of world's deadliest conflict</a>

Thomas Modly, the Acting Secretary of the Navy, made this announcement on Monday during a ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

Interestingly, this day is also celebrated as Martin Luther King Junior Day which is the National holiday to commemorate the civil rights leaders who lost their lives.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/the-dream-of-martin-luther-king-jr-219#%22i-have-a-dream%22---martin-luther-king-jr-46590">The dream of Martin Luther King Jr.</a>

''Miller is an inspiration for everybody and he represents the essence of our nation,'' Modly said.&nbsp;

''He is an icon who should not be forgotten and his story should be repeated,'' he added.

Also watch:&nbsp;US Navy releases video of Russian Ship, accuses ship of aggressive moves

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-navy-releases-video-of-russian-ship-accuses-ship-of-aggressive-moves-273631/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to Miller's biography on the US Navy's website, he had guarded an anti-aircraft machine gun on the USS West Virginia battleship until he ran out of ammunition and was ordered to abandon the ship although he had not been trained to operate the weapon''.

<h6><img alt="Doris Miller" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="acb948e8-a549-4f56-926c-f206bef6df34" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2812%29_5.jpg" /> 
Image | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

He had also received the Navy Cross which is the highest medal awarded by the Navy.

He was the first African American to receive it.

He was also awarded the American Defense Service Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the Asia-Pacific Campaign Medal.

The ship on which he was posted was sunk by a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-conducts-first-submarine-drill-in-disputed-south-china-sea-166074">Japenese submarine</a> torpedo.

He was presumed dead on November 25, 1944 after being missing for a year.

US Navy will honour Doris Miller, an African American hero of World War II by naming a new aircraft carrier after him, the BBC reported. This will be the first carrier to be named after an African American.

US Navy will honour Doris Miller, an African American hero of World War II by naming a new aircraft carrier after him, the BBC reported. This will be the first carrier to be named after an African American. Miller was a decorated veteran of the war who had demonstrated extreme valour by defending the Pearl Harbor in the 1941 attack on the Hawaii naval base. Also see: 80 years since World War II: Timeline of world's deadliest conflict Thomas Modly, the Acting Secretary of the Navy, made this announcement on Monday during a ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Interestingly, this day is also celebrated as Martin Luther King Junior Day which is the National holiday to commemorate the civil rights leaders who lost their lives. Also see: The dream of Martin Luther King Jr. ''Miller is an inspiration for everybody and he represents the essence of our nation,'' Modly said. ''He is an icon who should not be forgotten and his story should be repeated,'' he added. Also watch: US Navy releases video of Russian Ship, accuses ship of aggressive moves According to Miller's biography on the US Navy's website, he had guarded an anti-aircraft machine gun on the USS West Virginia battleship until he ran out of ammunition and was ordered to abandon the ship although he had not been trained to operate the weapon''. Image | AFP He had also received the Navy Cross which is the highest medal awarded by the Navy. He was the first African American to receive it. He was also awarded the American Defense Service Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the Asia-Pacific Campaign Medal. The ship on which he was posted was sunk by a Japenese submarine torpedo. He was presumed dead on November 25, 1944 after being missing for a year.

In a first, US Navy names aircraft carrier after an African-American war hero

December 29 in history: From foundation of Hyundai Motors to introduction of two nation theory in India

Around 54,000 people were evacuated from the southern Italian city of Brindisi on Sunday as experts worked to defuse a World War Two bomb, authorities said.

Corriere della Sera daily said the operation was the biggest peacetime evacuation in Italy, with more than 60% of the city's residents forced to vacate a "red zone" in a radius of 1,617 metres from where the bomb was found.

The British bomb, believed to have been dropped on the city in 1941, is 1 metre long and contains 40 kgs of dynamite, authorities said. It was found by chance last month during refurbishment works at a cinema theatre.

The city's airport, train station, two hospitals and prison were shut down and evacuated as part of the operation, which authorities expect to be completed around lunchtime. 
&nbsp;

Around 54,000 people were evacuated from the southern Italian city of Brindisi on Sunday as experts worked to defuse a World War Two bomb, authorities said. Corriere della Sera daily said the operation was the biggest peacetime evacuation in Italy, with more than 60% of the city's residents forced to vacate a "red zone" in a radius of 1,617 metres from where the bomb was found.

Around 54,000 people were evacuated from the southern Italian city of Brindisi on Sunday as experts worked to defuse a World War Two bomb, authorities said. Corriere della Sera daily said the operation was the biggest peacetime evacuation in Italy, with more than 60% of the city's residents forced to vacate a "red zone" in a radius of 1,617 metres from where the bomb was found. The British bomb, believed to have been dropped on the city in 1941, is 1 metre long and contains 40 kgs of dynamite, authorities said. It was found by chance last month during refurbishment works at a cinema theatre. The city's airport, train station, two hospitals and prison were shut down and evacuated as part of the operation, which authorities expect to be completed around lunchtime.

Italian city evacuates 54,000 people to defuse World War II bomb

&nbsp;

Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone, an ardent conservative who worked to forge a stronger military alliance with the United States, died on Friday at the age of 101, an official at his son's office said.

In office for five years from November 1982 to November 1987, Nakasone was known for trying to transform the nation defeated in World War II into a full-fledged member of the West during the Cold War era.

His efforts to strengthen security ties with Washington came at a time of intensifying trade friction with the United States, the world's biggest economy.

Describing Washington as "the most important partner for Japan", he built a friendship with then President Ronald Reagan.

Officials at the office of his son Hirofumi Nakasone, who is a member of the Japanese parliament's upper house, confirmed the ex-premier's death to AFP, with one of them saying he died Friday, without offering further details.

He broke post-World War II taboos in Japan by deciding to provide military technology to the US and scrapping the cap on the nation's annual defence budget.

Seen as a security hawk and a nationalist, Nakasone's positions on defence angered left-wingers in Japan, at a time when anti-war sentiments were even stronger than today after the defeat in World War II.

Echoing the "Reaganomics" policies of the American president, Nakasone privatised national enterprises such as railway and telephone operators, leaning in favour of the free market and a small state.&nbsp;

He also left his mark on Japan's relations with neighbours China and South Korea, which have been haunted by wartime history.

He was the first Japanese prime minister to visit South Korea, which had been under Tokyo's colonial rule from 1910 to the end of World War II in 1945.

In 1985, he visited a controversial war shrine but did not go the next year after China strongly criticised the move as an attempt to whitewash history.

He stepped down as prime minister in 1987 as support for his government plummeted after he tried to introduce a large-scale indirect tax system.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone, an ardent conservative who worked to forge a stronger military alliance with the United States, died on Friday at the age of 101, an official at his son's office said.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone, an ardent conservative who worked to forge a stronger military alliance with the United States, died on Friday at the age of 101, an official at his son's office said. In office for five years from November 1982 to November 1987, Nakasone was known for trying to transform the nation defeated in World War II into a full-fledged member of the West during the Cold War era. His efforts to strengthen security ties with Washington came at a time of intensifying trade friction with the United States, the world's biggest economy. Describing Washington as "the most important partner for Japan", he built a friendship with then President Ronald Reagan. Officials at the office of his son Hirofumi Nakasone, who is a member of the Japanese parliament's upper house, confirmed the ex-premier's death to AFP, with one of them saying he died Friday, without offering further details. He broke post-World War II taboos in Japan by deciding to provide military technology to the US and scrapping the cap on the nation's annual defence budget. Seen as a security hawk and a nationalist, Nakasone's positions on defence angered left-wingers in Japan, at a time when anti-war sentiments were even stronger than today after the defeat in World War II. Echoing the "Reaganomics" policies of the American president, Nakasone privatised national enterprises such as railway and telephone operators, leaning in favour of the free market and a small state. He also left his mark on Japan's relations with neighbours China and South Korea, which have been haunted by wartime history. He was the first Japanese prime minister to visit South Korea, which had been under Tokyo's colonial rule from 1910 to the end of World War II in 1945. In 1985, he visited a controversial war shrine but did not go the next year after China strongly criticised the move as an attempt to whitewash history. He stepped down as prime minister in 1987 as support for his government plummeted after he tried to introduce a large-scale indirect tax system.

Japan ex-PM Nakasone who boosted ties with US dies at 101

Chinese conglomerate Fosun has snapped up the Thomas Cook brand for £11 million ($14.2 million), weeks after the renowned British travel group went bust and left hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers stranded abroad.

Thomas Cook's demise in September sparked 22,000 job losses worldwide and triggered Britain's biggest repatriation since World War II, with the government paying to fly home 140,000 tourists.

The 178-year-old British institution declared bankruptcy in September after an attempt to secure $250 million from private investors fell through.

Hong Kong-listed Fosun, which was already the biggest shareholder in Thomas Cook and also owns France-based resort giant Club Med, had backed out of the eleventh-hour deal to keep the debt-plagued company afloat.

Fosun will now take ownership of the brand rights to Thomas Cook as well as subsidiary hotel chains Casa Cook and Cook's Club under the terms of the purchase agreement, it said in a statement late Friday.&nbsp;

The acquisition would build upon Fosun's existing tourism holdings and "the robust growth momentum of Chinese outbound tourism," said Qian Jiannong, the chairman of Fosun's travel arm.&nbsp;

Thomas Cook had struggled against fierce online competition for some time and blamed Brexit uncertainty for a drop in bookings before its collapse.

Chinese conglomerate Fosun has snapped up the Thomas Cook brand for £11 million ($14.2 million), weeks after the renowned British travel group went bust and left hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers stranded abroad.

Chinese conglomerate Fosun has snapped up the Thomas Cook brand for £11 million ($14.2 million), weeks after the renowned British travel group went bust and left hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers stranded abroad. Thomas Cook's demise in September sparked 22,000 job losses worldwide and triggered Britain's biggest repatriation since World War II, with the government paying to fly home 140,000 tourists. The 178-year-old British institution declared bankruptcy in September after an attempt to secure $250 million from private investors fell through. Hong Kong-listed Fosun, which was already the biggest shareholder in Thomas Cook and also owns France-based resort giant Club Med, had backed out of the eleventh-hour deal to keep the debt-plagued company afloat. Fosun will now take ownership of the brand rights to Thomas Cook as well as subsidiary hotel chains Casa Cook and Cook's Club under the terms of the purchase agreement, it said in a statement late Friday. The acquisition would build upon Fosun's existing tourism holdings and "the robust growth momentum of Chinese outbound tourism," said Qian Jiannong, the chairman of Fosun's travel arm. Thomas Cook had struggled against fierce online competition for some time and blamed Brexit uncertainty for a drop in bookings before its collapse.

Fosun buys Thomas Cook brand for £11 million

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson received a fresh blow Saturday when senior minister Amber Rudd quit her work and pensions post in protest at his handling of the Brexit crisis.

Her resignation caps a miserable week for Johnson as he tries to steer his splintered country through its biggest political crisis since World War II.

Rudd was a moderate member of former prime minister Theresa May's government whose endorsement Johnson coveted during his successful UK leadership challenge in July.

But she said Saturday that she could no longer endorse Johnson's approach to negotiations with Brussels -- or handling of domestic politics.

"I have resigned from Cabinet and surrendered the Conservative Whip," Rudd tweeted.

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I have resigned from Cabinet and surrendered the Conservative Whip. 
 
I cannot stand by as good, loyal moderate Conservatives are expelled. 
 
I have spoken to the PM and my Association Chairman to explain. 
 
I remain committed to the One Nation values that drew me into politics. <a href="https://t.co/kYmZHbLMES">pic.twitter.com/kYmZHbLMES</a>
— Amber Rudd MP (@AmberRuddHR) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmberRuddHR/status/1170429481879842817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I cannot stand by as good, loyal moderate Conservatives are expelled," she said referring to Johnson's decision to expel 21 MPs from the Conservative party for voting against the government on Brexit.

Rudd said in her resignation letter that she felt uneasy about Johnson's commitment to take Britain out of the EU on October 31 even if the two sides fail to reach a negotiated deal.

The 56-year-old said she had once viewed Johnson's threat of a messy "no-deal" divorce as a useful negotiating tactic to take with Brussels.

"However, I no longer believe leaving with a deal is the government's main objective," she wrote in her resignation letter.

"The government is expending a lot of energy to prepare for 'no deal' but I have not seen the same level of intensity go into our talks with the European Union."

'Government falling apart'

Johnson has been adamant that he will not seek a third Brexit delay this year.

He is instead seeking to hold an early general election on October 15 that could give him the mandate to take Britain out on time and at any cost.

Johnson said this week that he would "rather be dead in a ditch" than seek a Brexit extension until January that more moderate forces demand.

The main opposition Labour Party is plotting a strategy with smaller parliamentary groups that could leave Johnson with no other alternative but to seek an extension to the Brexit talks or resign.

They are expected to push through legislation Monday forcing Johnson to seek a Brexit delay from Brussels unless he can strike a deal at an EU summit next month.

They are also trying to make sure that a general election is held only after Johnson is forced to go back on his word and push Brexit back again.

Johnson has branded the delay bill a "surrender" that would allow the other 27 EU leaders to dictate the terms on which Britain leaves its closest neighbours after 46 years.

Both Labour leaders and rebel Conservatives praised Rudd's decision to walk away from Johnson.

"Everyone has a point beyond which they cannot be pushed," centrist Conservative MP Nick Boles tweeted.

"Amber Rudd has reached hers. How much more of the party he inherited will Johnson destroy before he has second thoughts or is stopped by his Cabinet colleagues?"

Labour's Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said Johnson was "being totally found out" six weeks into his job.

"Johnson government falling apart," Starmer tweeted.

But Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage -- an anti-EU populist who is trying to forge an election alliance with Johnson -- said the British leader made a mistake by taking Rudd on in the first place.

"Why did Boris give ministerial posts to all these Remainers in the first place?" Farage asked in a tweet.

"Confused thinking to say the least."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson received a fresh blow Saturday when senior minister Amber Rudd quit her work and pensions post in protest at his handling of the Brexit crisis.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson received a fresh blow Saturday when senior minister Amber Rudd quit her work and pensions post in protest at his handling of the Brexit crisis. Her resignation caps a miserable week for Johnson as he tries to steer his splintered country through its biggest political crisis since World War II. Rudd was a moderate member of former prime minister Theresa May's government whose endorsement Johnson coveted during his successful UK leadership challenge in July. But she said Saturday that she could no longer endorse Johnson's approach to negotiations with Brussels -- or handling of domestic politics. "I have resigned from Cabinet and surrendered the Conservative Whip," Rudd tweeted. I have resigned from Cabinet and surrendered the Conservative Whip. I cannot stand by as good, loyal moderate Conservatives are expelled. I have spoken to the PM and my Association Chairman to explain. I remain committed to the One Nation values that drew me into politics. pic.twitter.com/kYmZHbLMES — Amber Rudd MP (@AmberRuddHR) September 7, 2019 × "I cannot stand by as good, loyal moderate Conservatives are expelled," she said referring to Johnson's decision to expel 21 MPs from the Conservative party for voting against the government on Brexit. Rudd said in her resignation letter that she felt uneasy about Johnson's commitment to take Britain out of the EU on October 31 even if the two sides fail to reach a negotiated deal. The 56-year-old said she had once viewed Johnson's threat of a messy "no-deal" divorce as a useful negotiating tactic to take with Brussels. "However, I no longer believe leaving with a deal is the government's main objective," she wrote in her resignation letter. "The government is expending a lot of energy to prepare for 'no deal' but I have not seen the same level of intensity go into our talks with the European Union." 'Government falling apart' Johnson has been adamant that he will not seek a third Brexit delay this year. He is instead seeking to hold an early general election on October 15 that could give him the mandate to take Britain out on time and at any cost. Johnson said this week that he would "rather be dead in a ditch" than seek a Brexit extension until January that more moderate forces demand. The main opposition Labour Party is plotting a strategy with smaller parliamentary groups that could leave Johnson with no other alternative but to seek an extension to the Brexit talks or resign. They are expected to push through legislation Monday forcing Johnson to seek a Brexit delay from Brussels unless he can strike a deal at an EU summit next month. They are also trying to make sure that a general election is held only after Johnson is forced to go back on his word and push Brexit back again. Johnson has branded the delay bill a "surrender" that would allow the other 27 EU leaders to dictate the terms on which Britain leaves its closest neighbours after 46 years. Both Labour leaders and rebel Conservatives praised Rudd's decision to walk away from Johnson. "Everyone has a point beyond which they cannot be pushed," centrist Conservative MP Nick Boles tweeted. "Amber Rudd has reached hers. How much more of the party he inherited will Johnson destroy before he has second thoughts or is stopped by his Cabinet colleagues?" Labour's Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said Johnson was "being totally found out" six weeks into his job. "Johnson government falling apart," Starmer tweeted. But Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage -- an anti-EU populist who is trying to forge an election alliance with Johnson -- said the British leader made a mistake by taking Rudd on in the first place. "Why did Boris give ministerial posts to all these Remainers in the first place?" Farage asked in a tweet. "Confused thinking to say the least."

Fresh blow to Boris Johnson, top UK minister Amber Rudd resigns over handling of Brexit crisis

80 years since World War II: Timeline of world's deadliest conflict

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-moon-open-to-dialogue-with-japan-amid-trade-row-243077">South Korean President Moon Jae-in</a> has put more than 50 million won (around $41,000) of his own money into a fund investing in firms looking to replace Japanese suppliers, his office said Monday, as the Asian neighbours remain locked in a bitter trade dispute.

It was the first-ever stock market investment by Moon, a former human rights lawyer whose economic policies critics blame for slowing growth in the once-booming South.

Seoul and Tokyo are embroiled in a tit-for-tat row that has seen them remove each other from their lists of trusted trade partners, raising concerns in Washington, which has security treaties with both.

Tokyo imposed restrictions on exports crucial to tech giants such as Samsung following a series of South Korean court rulings ordering Japanese firms to pay for forced labour during World War II.

Japan dominates the global market for some vital materials, but Moon has announced measures he hopes will help develop domestic supply chains.

The Victory Korea Fund was launched by Nonghyup Bank earlier this month to invest in listed South Korean firms that manufacture materials, components and equipment.

"It has become a very important time to raise the competitiveness of our materials, components and equipment industry," he said, according to his office.

Japan's new export restrictions last month caught South Korean firms off guard and sent tech giants such as Samsung and SK Hynix scrambling.

Both Japan and South Korea are market economies and major US allies faced with an overbearing China and nuclear-armed North Korea.

But their relationship continues to be heavily affected by Japan's 35-year colonial rule of the Korean peninsula in the early 20th century.

Japan says a 1965 treaty that normalised relations with a significant financial contribution effectively settled all reparation claims. 
&nbsp;

South Korean President Moon Jae-in has put more than 50 million won (around $41,000) of his own money into a fund investing in firms looking to replace Japanese suppliers, his office said Monday, as the Asian neighbours remain locked in a bitter trade dispute.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in has put more than 50 million won (around $41,000) of his own money into a fund investing in firms looking to replace Japanese suppliers, his office said Monday, as the Asian neighbours remain locked in a bitter trade dispute. It was the first-ever stock market investment by Moon, a former human rights lawyer whose economic policies critics blame for slowing growth in the once-booming South. Seoul and Tokyo are embroiled in a tit-for-tat row that has seen them remove each other from their lists of trusted trade partners, raising concerns in Washington, which has security treaties with both. Tokyo imposed restrictions on exports crucial to tech giants such as Samsung following a series of South Korean court rulings ordering Japanese firms to pay for forced labour during World War II. Japan dominates the global market for some vital materials, but Moon has announced measures he hopes will help develop domestic supply chains. The Victory Korea Fund was launched by Nonghyup Bank earlier this month to invest in listed South Korean firms that manufacture materials, components and equipment. "It has become a very important time to raise the competitiveness of our materials, components and equipment industry," he said, according to his office. Japan's new export restrictions last month caught South Korean firms off guard and sent tech giants such as Samsung and SK Hynix scrambling. Both Japan and South Korea are market economies and major US allies faced with an overbearing China and nuclear-armed North Korea. But their relationship continues to be heavily affected by Japan's 35-year colonial rule of the Korean peninsula in the early 20th century. Japan says a 1965 treaty that normalised relations with a significant financial contribution effectively settled all reparation claims.

South Korean president invests in local firms fund amid Japan row

On June 22, 1944, in the middle of the historic Normandy campaign when the allies were fighting the Germans on a French beach, Indian troops fighting for the British Commonwealth handed Japan their biggest defeat until then in the twin battles of Imphal &amp; Kohima in World War II.

Indian and British troops had linked up from Kohima and Imphal at Milestone 109 on June 22, 1944, ending the siege of Imphal and with it bringing to an end the limit of Japanese expansionist ambitions in Asia.

The historic day should legitimately be christened as "India’s D-Day"&nbsp;as Indian troops fighting under the British flag were able to stop the spread of fascism in Asia on its track.&nbsp;

A Japanese victory at Imphal would have opened the gateway to India for Imperial Army General Mutaguchi with disastrous consequences for India which had until then fallen to several foreign invasions.&nbsp;

The allied victory at Kohima and Imphal achieved as part of the larger Burma campaign in 1944 brought Lord Mountbatten into the limelight and a little known soldier Sam Manekshaw who later became India’s only field Marshal and architect of India’s 1971 victory over Pakistan.

Both Mountbatten and Manekshaw moulded in fire during the Burma campaign in 1944 left an indelible mark on the Indian subcontinent. 
 
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Although&nbsp;India’s biggest moment of glory in World War II lost out to America’s "Mount Suribachi" moment at Iwo Jima when US Marines raised the star-spangled US flag on the island in 1945, it nevertheless became a historian's "go to handbook"&nbsp;on military tactics.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

India may have lost the battle of images but the nation still remembers.

The battle was British India’s finest moment with Indian and British troops fighting shoulder to shoulder on land and in the air to thwart the Axis power which had already ravaged Europe and had engulfed most of Asia.&nbsp;

India stood as the beacon of freedom against brutal Japanese oppression even as several Asian countries from Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea among others falling&nbsp;prey to unbelievable horror by the Japanese Imperial Army.

The victory over&nbsp;the Japanese at Kohima and Imphal, however, came a heavy cost with the Commonwealth losing over 12,000 troops mostly Indian soldiers and the Japanese suffering over 50,000 casualties.

The war cemetery with over 1,500 graves at Imphal and Kohima bares testimony to the supreme sacrifice made by the allies. The campaign spearheaded by the Gurkhas and several Indian divisions comprising of "unknown soldiers" turned the tide of the war in Asia leading to the final destruction of Japan's imperialist ambitions in Asia.

It was a battle new India should never forget, ever. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

On June 22, 1944, in the middle of the historic Normandy campaign when the allies were fighting the Germans on a French beach, Indian troops fighting for the British Commonwealth handed Japan their biggest defeat until then in the twin battles of Imphal & Kohima in World War II.

On June 22, 1944, in the middle of the historic Normandy campaign when the allies were fighting the Germans on a French beach, Indian troops fighting for the British Commonwealth handed Japan their biggest defeat until then in the twin battles of Imphal & Kohima in World War II. Indian and British troops had linked up from Kohima and Imphal at Milestone 109 on June 22, 1944, ending the siege of Imphal and with it bringing to an end the limit of Japanese expansionist ambitions in Asia. The historic day should legitimately be christened as "India’s D-Day" as Indian troops fighting under the British flag were able to stop the spread of fascism in Asia on its track. A Japanese victory at Imphal would have opened the gateway to India for Imperial Army General Mutaguchi with disastrous consequences for India which had until then fallen to several foreign invasions. The allied victory at Kohima and Imphal achieved as part of the larger Burma campaign in 1944 brought Lord Mountbatten into the limelight and a little known soldier Sam Manekshaw who later became India’s only field Marshal and architect of India’s 1971 victory over Pakistan. Both Mountbatten and Manekshaw moulded in fire during the Burma campaign in 1944 left an indelible mark on the Indian subcontinent. Watch Video: × Although India’s biggest moment of glory in World War II lost out to America’s "Mount Suribachi" moment at Iwo Jima when US Marines raised the star-spangled US flag on the island in 1945, it nevertheless became a historian's "go to handbook" on military tactics. India may have lost the battle of images but the nation still remembers. The battle was British India’s finest moment with Indian and British troops fighting shoulder to shoulder on land and in the air to thwart the Axis power which had already ravaged Europe and had engulfed most of Asia. India stood as the beacon of freedom against brutal Japanese oppression even as several Asian countries from Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea among others falling prey to unbelievable horror by the Japanese Imperial Army. The victory over the Japanese at Kohima and Imphal, however, came a heavy cost with the Commonwealth losing over 12,000 troops mostly Indian soldiers and the Japanese suffering over 50,000 casualties. The war cemetery with over 1,500 graves at Imphal and Kohima bares testimony to the supreme sacrifice made by the allies. The campaign spearheaded by the Gurkhas and several Indian divisions comprising of "unknown soldiers" turned the tide of the war in Asia leading to the final destruction of Japan's imperialist ambitions in Asia. It was a battle new India should never forget, ever. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Battle of Imphal & Kohima: India’s D-Day revisited

The human cost of the three-month conflict over Imphal and Kohima was immense. Thirty thousand Japanese died in the campaign, Of the 6,000 INA who fought, 2,000 died.

When Indian and British soldiers defeated Japan in World War-II

Ten illegal immigrants died Wednesday and 30 were injured when the driver of a packed minibus refused an order to stop and crashed into a shop in northwest Turkey, local officials and media said.

The driver ignored an order by a security official to halt, speeding up instead and crashing into a shop near the Greek border, the office of the governor of Edirne province said in a statement.&nbsp;

The private DHA news agency said there were 40 people in the minibus. All 30 survivors were injured.&nbsp;

The nationality of illegal immigrants was not known.&nbsp;

Migrants fleeing war and poverty use Turkey as a transit country to try and reach Europe, although the numbers have dropped since the influx hit a peak in 2015.

That year saw over a million people arrive in Greece from Turkey, mostly in boats, during the worst refugee crisis since the Second World War.

But a March 2016, a deal between Ankara and the European Union helped staunch the flow.

Turkey has about four million refugees -- the highest number in the world -- most of them Syrians.

Ten illegal immigrants died Wednesday and 30 were injured when the driver of a packed minibus refused an order to stop and crashed into a shop in northwest Turkey, local officials and media said.

Ten illegal immigrants died Wednesday and 30 were injured when the driver of a packed minibus refused an order to stop and crashed into a shop in northwest Turkey, local officials and media said. The driver ignored an order by a security official to halt, speeding up instead and crashing into a shop near the Greek border, the office of the governor of Edirne province said in a statement. The private DHA news agency said there were 40 people in the minibus. All 30 survivors were injured. The nationality of illegal immigrants was not known. Migrants fleeing war and poverty use Turkey as a transit country to try and reach Europe, although the numbers have dropped since the influx hit a peak in 2015. That year saw over a million people arrive in Greece from Turkey, mostly in boats, during the worst refugee crisis since the Second World War. But a March 2016, a deal between Ankara and the European Union helped staunch the flow. Turkey has about four million refugees -- the highest number in the world -- most of them Syrians.

10 migrants dead, 30 hurt in Turkey bus crash: Official

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

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WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 06th, 2019

US President Donald Trump admitted that there had been past difficulties in his relationship with French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday, but said: "right now it's outstanding".&nbsp;

"It's been good sometimes and sometimes it hasn't been, but right now it's outstanding. So the relationship that we've had together has been really terrific and I appreciate it very much," Trump told Macron as they met for talks in northern France.

Earlier Thursday, they led a ceremony to pay tribute to veterans of the D-Day landings in northern France on the 75th anniversary of the invasion that began the liberation of France and shaped the outcome of World War II.

"We've had great success working together too," Trump added at the start of a working lunch with Macron, referring to the joint US and French military actions against the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq.

"Your military is excellent. My people report back, they say it's absolutely excellent. They work very well together," the US leader added.

The last time Macron hosted Trump in France - for the World War I centenary in November last year - it turned into a diplomatic fiasco.

Trump arrived angry about Macron's support for a European army and he mocked the French leader on Twitter several days afterwards over his "very low approval ratings".

The two leaders also have a mounting list of policy disagreements, from Iran to climate change to trade. Macron has frequently criticised Trump's "American First" nationalism that has shaken the transatlantic alliance.

They appeared friendly Thursday, though the body language was cooler than during their first meetings, particularly when Trump was the guest of honour at France's Bastille Day national celebrations on July 14, 2017. 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump admitted that there had been past difficulties in his relationship with French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday, but said: "right now it's outstanding".

US President Donald Trump admitted that there had been past difficulties in his relationship with French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday, but said: "right now it's outstanding". "It's been good sometimes and sometimes it hasn't been, but right now it's outstanding. So the relationship that we've had together has been really terrific and I appreciate it very much," Trump told Macron as they met for talks in northern France. Earlier Thursday, they led a ceremony to pay tribute to veterans of the D-Day landings in northern France on the 75th anniversary of the invasion that began the liberation of France and shaped the outcome of World War II. "We've had great success working together too," Trump added at the start of a working lunch with Macron, referring to the joint US and French military actions against the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq. "Your military is excellent. My people report back, they say it's absolutely excellent. They work very well together," the US leader added. The last time Macron hosted Trump in France - for the World War I centenary in November last year - it turned into a diplomatic fiasco. Trump arrived angry about Macron's support for a European army and he mocked the French leader on Twitter several days afterwards over his "very low approval ratings". The two leaders also have a mounting list of policy disagreements, from Iran to climate change to trade. Macron has frequently criticised Trump's "American First" nationalism that has shaken the transatlantic alliance. They appeared friendly Thursday, though the body language was cooler than during their first meetings, particularly when Trump was the guest of honour at France's Bastille Day national celebrations on July 14, 2017.

Trump says relations with Macron 'outstanding'

The president of France and prime minister of Britain on Thursday said "thank you" to D-Day veterans and those who died in the landmark invasion exactly 75 years ago.

Macron and May attend D-Day memorial inauguration

As bullets flew around him, pinging off the metal ramp of his landing craft, US Army medic Ray Lambert scanned the chaotic scene for some place to take cover, and to which he could bring the wounded.

D-Day US Army medic reunited with "his" rock

Millions of people were set to mark the milestone of the Normandy landings in a series of events in the UK and France today. Second World War veterans also attended the national commemorative event in Portsmouth on Wednesday.

Queen, world leaders honor veterans on D-Day anniversary

The Normandy landings took place on 6 June 1944 and it was one of the biggest seaborne invasions in history. The operation against Nazi Germany was a combined effort, and included support from the UK, US and Canada, and it is considered to be a key component to securing victory during the Second World War.

World War II D-Day: What is 'Operation Neptune'?

The Queen and other leaders of the wartime Allies joined some 300 World War II veterans at the seaside ceremony in Portsmouth on Wednesday.

World leaders pay tribute to valour of D-Day forces

Donald Trump hailed Queen Elizabeth II as a "great, great woman" as the British monarch threw a lavish banquet for the US president on Monday to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-slams-cnn-owner-att-as-he-lands-in-london-for-a-state-visit-224012">kick off his three-day state visit</a>.

The Trump dynasty sat down to a glittering dinner with the British royal family in the Buckingham Palace ballroom as the UK rolled out the red carpet.

Both Trump and the 93-year-old sovereign praised the common bond between Britain and the United States.

But the warmth was not shared all round, with mass protests planned for Tuesday, opposition political figures boycotting the banquet and the trip starting with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-mayor-sadiq-khan-a-stone-cold-loser-tweets-trump-after-arriving-in-uk-223840">spat between Trump and London Mayor Sadiq Khan</a>.

Trump's visit is centred on the 75th anniversary of D-Day and the liberation of Europe in World War II.

"As we honour our shared victory and heritage, we affirm the common values that will unite us long into future," he said at the banquet.

"Freedom, sovereignty, self-determination, the rule of law and reverence for the rights given to us by almighty God."

He said Queen Elizabeth was a "great, great woman... a constant symbol of these priceless traditions", who embodied British "dignity, duty and patriotism".

Queen Elizabeth said Britain and the United States had built post-war international institutions for "nations working together to safeguard a hard-won peace".

The monarch said the two nations were united by their security, shared heritage, strong cultural links and strong economic ties.

"I am confident that our common values and shared interests will continue to unite us."

Watch: Queen Elizabeth shows Trump, Melania royal gift collection

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'Great love all around'

The British sovereign earlier welcomed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-of-unites-states-welcomed-to-bukingham-palace-by-queen-elizabeth-223916">Trump and his wife Melania with a military guard of honour </a>on a day filled with ceremony and personal touches.

The monarch hosted a private lunch for the couple and showed them the royal art collection, ahead of the glittering banquet.

Trump seemed to be enjoying the visit, taking to Twitter during his down time.

"London part of trip is going really well. The Queen and the entire royal family have been fantastic. The relationship with the United Kingdom is very strong," he said.

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London part of trip is going really well. The Queen and the entire Royal family have been fantastic. The relationship with the United Kingdom is very strong. Tremendous crowds of well wishers and people that love our Country. Haven’t seen any protests yet, but I’m sure the....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1135602449987899395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Haven't seen any protests yet, but I'm sure the fake news will be working hard to find them. Great love all around."

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....Fake News will be working hard to find them. Great love all around. Also, big Trade Deal is possible once U.K. gets rid of the shackles. Already starting to talk!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1135602452059906050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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But the day began with controversy as, even before his plane touched down, the president lambasted Khan, who on Sunday revived their spat by comparing Trump to 20th-century fascists.

Trump, in return, called him a "stone cold loser" who had done a "terrible job" as London mayor.

Eight members of the Trump dynasty were at the state banquet, with the four eldest of Trump's five children joining 16 members of the royal family and business chiefs at the U-shaped table.

They dined on steamed fillet of halibut followed by saddle of new season Windsor lamb, strawberry sable with lemon verbena cream and fresh fruit.

Protests planned

Trump's visit comes at a difficult time for Britain, with<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-leadership-hopefuls-vow-to-succeed-where-theresa-may-failed-on-brexit-221639"> Theresa May due to step down as prime minister within weeks</a>, over her handling of Brexit.

Trump weighed in on the impasse at the weekend, saying he <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tells-uk-to-walk-away-if-eu-does-not-give-what-it-wants-in-brexit-report-223648">would walk away if he could not get a deal he liked</a>.

"Big trade deal is possible once UK gets rid of the shackles. Already starting to talk!" he tweeted Monday.

The UK-US "special relationship" was already under strain over different approaches to Iran, the use of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/huawei-launches-5g-lab-in-south-korea-but-keeps-event-low-key-after-us-ban-222638">Chinese technology in 5G networks</a>, climate change, and Trump's personal politics.

May announced her impending resignation last month after failing to get her Brexit plan through parliament and twice delaying Britain's departure.

Trump's first official visit to Britain last year was also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blasts-mays-brexit-strategy-on-uk-visit-151227">marked by criticism of May's Brexit strategy</a> and large protests.

Demonstration organisers are hoping for a repeat of the protests on Tuesday during which they will once again fly a bright orange "baby Trump" balloon.

Labour's main opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn boycotted the state banquet, along with other opposition leaders and John Bercow, the speaker of parliament's lower House of Commons.

Corbyn instead made a last-minute decision to speak at Tuesday's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeremy-corbyn-accuses-trump-of-interfering-in-uk-politics-223502">anti-Trump demonstrations</a>, calling them "an opportunity to stand in solidarity with those he's attacked", including Khan.

On Wednesday, May and Trump will join other world leaders in the English port of Portsmouth to commemorate 75 years since the D-Day landings, which changed the course of World War II.

Donald Trump hailed Queen Elizabeth II as a "great, great woman" as the British monarch threw a lavish banquet for the US president on Monday to kick off his three-day state visit.

Donald Trump hailed Queen Elizabeth II as a "great, great woman" as the British monarch threw a lavish banquet for the US president on Monday to kick off his three-day state visit. The Trump dynasty sat down to a glittering dinner with the British royal family in the Buckingham Palace ballroom as the UK rolled out the red carpet. Both Trump and the 93-year-old sovereign praised the common bond between Britain and the United States. But the warmth was not shared all round, with mass protests planned for Tuesday, opposition political figures boycotting the banquet and the trip starting with a spat between Trump and London Mayor Sadiq Khan. Trump's visit is centred on the 75th anniversary of D-Day and the liberation of Europe in World War II. "As we honour our shared victory and heritage, we affirm the common values that will unite us long into future," he said at the banquet. "Freedom, sovereignty, self-determination, the rule of law and reverence for the rights given to us by almighty God." He said Queen Elizabeth was a "great, great woman... a constant symbol of these priceless traditions", who embodied British "dignity, duty and patriotism". Queen Elizabeth said Britain and the United States had built post-war international institutions for "nations working together to safeguard a hard-won peace". The monarch said the two nations were united by their security, shared heritage, strong cultural links and strong economic ties. "I am confident that our common values and shared interests will continue to unite us." Watch: Queen Elizabeth shows Trump, Melania royal gift collection × 'Great love all around' The British sovereign earlier welcomed Trump and his wife Melania with a military guard of honour on a day filled with ceremony and personal touches. The monarch hosted a private lunch for the couple and showed them the royal art collection, ahead of the glittering banquet. Trump seemed to be enjoying the visit, taking to Twitter during his down time. "London part of trip is going really well. The Queen and the entire royal family have been fantastic. The relationship with the United Kingdom is very strong," he said. London part of trip is going really well. The Queen and the entire Royal family have been fantastic. The relationship with the United Kingdom is very strong. Tremendous crowds of well wishers and people that love our Country. Haven’t seen any protests yet, but I’m sure the.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2019 × "Haven't seen any protests yet, but I'm sure the fake news will be working hard to find them. Great love all around." ....Fake News will be working hard to find them. Great love all around. Also, big Trade Deal is possible once U.K. gets rid of the shackles. Already starting to talk! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2019 × But the day began with controversy as, even before his plane touched down, the president lambasted Khan, who on Sunday revived their spat by comparing Trump to 20th-century fascists. Trump, in return, called him a "stone cold loser" who had done a "terrible job" as London mayor. Eight members of the Trump dynasty were at the state banquet, with the four eldest of Trump's five children joining 16 members of the royal family and business chiefs at the U-shaped table. They dined on steamed fillet of halibut followed by saddle of new season Windsor lamb, strawberry sable with lemon verbena cream and fresh fruit. Protests planned Trump's visit comes at a difficult time for Britain, with Theresa May due to step down as prime minister within weeks, over her handling of Brexit. Trump weighed in on the impasse at the weekend, saying he would walk away if he could not get a deal he liked. "Big trade deal is possible once UK gets rid of the shackles. Already starting to talk!" he tweeted Monday. The UK-US "special relationship" was already under strain over different approaches to Iran, the use of Chinese technology in 5G networks, climate change, and Trump's personal politics. May announced her impending resignation last month after failing to get her Brexit plan through parliament and twice delaying Britain's departure. Trump's first official visit to Britain last year was also marked by criticism of May's Brexit strategy and large protests. Demonstration organisers are hoping for a repeat of the protests on Tuesday during which they will once again fly a bright orange "baby Trump" balloon. Labour's main opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn boycotted the state banquet, along with other opposition leaders and John Bercow, the speaker of parliament's lower House of Commons. Corbyn instead made a last-minute decision to speak at Tuesday's anti-Trump demonstrations, calling them "an opportunity to stand in solidarity with those he's attacked", including Khan. On Wednesday, May and Trump will join other world leaders in the English port of Portsmouth to commemorate 75 years since the D-Day landings, which changed the course of World War II.

Donald Trump calls Queen Elizabeth a 'great, great woman' at state banquet

Russia marks 74th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany with tanks, military parade

Secret headquarters of world's most sophisticated spy services revealed

Thai teen idol Namsai feared being booted from her band after a photo of her wearing a t-shirt with a Nazi swastika went viral, but without the uproar she says she would have remained ignorant about the offensive implications of her fashion choices.

As Europe battles, a surge in anti-Semitism, including the desecration of graves in France, Southeast Asia is wrestling with a lack of understanding about the provenance of Nazi paraphernalia that casually creeps into public spaces.

From swastika-adorned trinkets on sale at Thai markets to selfies with Hitler statues in Indonesia, Nazi symbols are easy to find -- a problem critics attribute to ignorance and a misplaced fascination with the fascist regime.

"I was shocked," the contrite singer said of the outcry. "But I felt it was my fault. I wasn't aware even though I should have known."

The 19-year-old is a member of BNK48, one of the most popular girl bands in the country, performing choreographed J-pop-style numbers to adoring crowds.&nbsp;

But Namsai, whose real name is Pitchayapa Natha, waded into controversy when she wore a red-and-black top showing a Nazi flag and swastika during a televised rehearsal last month, prompting the Israeli embassy to express "shock and dismay".

Namsai, who has more than 370,000 followers on Instagram, swiftly posted an apology for what she called "my mistake", met with Israeli diplomats, and offered a tearful onstage apology.

Now she says she may join them in conducting seminars on Holocaust education in Thai schools.&nbsp;

In the meantime, she is researching Nazi history on her own.

"It was a bad experience," she said. But it also presented an "opportunity" to learn, she added, citing a visit to the Holocaust memorial at the UN in Bangkok also attended by other band members.

Selfies and shirts

While Hitler's forces carried out atrocities in Europe, his Japanese allies led a scorched-earth campaign across Asia during World War II.

As a result, Japanese wartime actions are the more immediate prism through which many view the region's history.&nbsp;

The Holocaust is covered in high school textbooks in Thailand but it's "a small portion" of the world history sections, said Chalermchai Phanlert, an academic at the Education Ministry.

That means less emphasis on Nazis and their impact on Europe.

Derived from Sanskrit and with roots in India, the swastika is a commonly displayed motif in Hindu temples across Asia.

But Chalermchai said younger Thais do not fully understand the swastika's European context or Nazi history in general. Instead, Third Reich symbols are used to sell fashion and anti-establishment culture.

In September a love motel outside Bangkok sparked outcry after photos online showed a portrait of Hitler hanging in one of its themed rooms.&nbsp;

Red-and-white swastika badges, stamps, flags and other Nazi-themed trinkets are on sale at Bangkok's popular Chatuchak weekend market, while a vendor on tourist hub Khaosan Road hawks t-shirts of a naked Hitler enjoying a beach holiday.

Enthusiasm for Nazi iconography and portrayals of Hitler have earned rebukes in other Southeast Asian countries.

In 2017 an Indonesian museum that allowed visitors to take selfies with a wax sculpture of Hitler removed the exhibit following global condemnation.

But awareness of the offence caused is growing.

In Myanmar's biggest city Yangon shopkeeper Ko Ko Aung said he used to be part of the punk scene where clothes with swastikas were part of a spirit of rebellion.

Now he says he understands that "punk and Hitler are not connected".&nbsp;

'Nazi chic'

It is both "inaccurate and unhelpful" to draw a link between a vogue for Nazi chic and anti-Semitism, says Elliot Brennan of the Institute for Security and Development Policy in Stockholm.

"That is not to say that anti-Semitism does not exist in Asia but one could argue these are led more by anti-Israel positions than anti-Semitism," he said.&nbsp;

Thai history lecturer Tul Israngura Na Ayudhya said the fascination with Hitler has to be seen in context, adding that a lack of education is only part of the story.

Many countries in Asia have a complex relationship with strongmen generals and leaders who are sometimes wrongly applauded as nationalist modernisers.

He cited Mao Zedong, a figure whose policies cost countless lives but who has been the subject of nostalgia in some quarters of late.&nbsp;

And so Hitler is not necessarily "associated with the devil" by everyone in the region.

Tul teaches one of the few university courses devoted to Nazi Germany in Thailand at Chulalongkorn University, where his syllabus begins with Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel's memoir "Night".

One of his students, German major Thanapon Danpakdee, laments the carefree approach to Nazi symbols in Thailand, even when it is not meant to offend.

"I think they ignore the other side," he said.

Thai teen idol Namsai feared being booted from her band after a photo of her wearing a t-shirt with a Nazi swastika went viral, but without the uproar she says she would have remained ignorant about the offensive implications of her fashion choices.

Thai teen idol Namsai feared being booted from her band after a photo of her wearing a t-shirt with a Nazi swastika went viral, but without the uproar she says she would have remained ignorant about the offensive implications of her fashion choices. As Europe battles, a surge in anti-Semitism, including the desecration of graves in France, Southeast Asia is wrestling with a lack of understanding about the provenance of Nazi paraphernalia that casually creeps into public spaces. From swastika-adorned trinkets on sale at Thai markets to selfies with Hitler statues in Indonesia, Nazi symbols are easy to find -- a problem critics attribute to ignorance and a misplaced fascination with the fascist regime. "I was shocked," the contrite singer said of the outcry. "But I felt it was my fault. I wasn't aware even though I should have known." The 19-year-old is a member of BNK48, one of the most popular girl bands in the country, performing choreographed J-pop-style numbers to adoring crowds. But Namsai, whose real name is Pitchayapa Natha, waded into controversy when she wore a red-and-black top showing a Nazi flag and swastika during a televised rehearsal last month, prompting the Israeli embassy to express "shock and dismay". Namsai, who has more than 370,000 followers on Instagram, swiftly posted an apology for what she called "my mistake", met with Israeli diplomats, and offered a tearful onstage apology. Now she says she may join them in conducting seminars on Holocaust education in Thai schools. In the meantime, she is researching Nazi history on her own. "It was a bad experience," she said. But it also presented an "opportunity" to learn, she added, citing a visit to the Holocaust memorial at the UN in Bangkok also attended by other band members. Selfies and shirts While Hitler's forces carried out atrocities in Europe, his Japanese allies led a scorched-earth campaign across Asia during World War II. As a result, Japanese wartime actions are the more immediate prism through which many view the region's history. The Holocaust is covered in high school textbooks in Thailand but it's "a small portion" of the world history sections, said Chalermchai Phanlert, an academic at the Education Ministry. That means less emphasis on Nazis and their impact on Europe. Derived from Sanskrit and with roots in India, the swastika is a commonly displayed motif in Hindu temples across Asia. But Chalermchai said younger Thais do not fully understand the swastika's European context or Nazi history in general. Instead, Third Reich symbols are used to sell fashion and anti-establishment culture. In September a love motel outside Bangkok sparked outcry after photos online showed a portrait of Hitler hanging in one of its themed rooms. Red-and-white swastika badges, stamps, flags and other Nazi-themed trinkets are on sale at Bangkok's popular Chatuchak weekend market, while a vendor on tourist hub Khaosan Road hawks t-shirts of a naked Hitler enjoying a beach holiday. Enthusiasm for Nazi iconography and portrayals of Hitler have earned rebukes in other Southeast Asian countries. In 2017 an Indonesian museum that allowed visitors to take selfies with a wax sculpture of Hitler removed the exhibit following global condemnation. But awareness of the offence caused is growing. In Myanmar's biggest city Yangon shopkeeper Ko Ko Aung said he used to be part of the punk scene where clothes with swastikas were part of a spirit of rebellion. Now he says he understands that "punk and Hitler are not connected". 'Nazi chic' It is both "inaccurate and unhelpful" to draw a link between a vogue for Nazi chic and anti-Semitism, says Elliot Brennan of the Institute for Security and Development Policy in Stockholm. "That is not to say that anti-Semitism does not exist in Asia but one could argue these are led more by anti-Israel positions than anti-Semitism," he said. Thai history lecturer Tul Israngura Na Ayudhya said the fascination with Hitler has to be seen in context, adding that a lack of education is only part of the story. Many countries in Asia have a complex relationship with strongmen generals and leaders who are sometimes wrongly applauded as nationalist modernisers. He cited Mao Zedong, a figure whose policies cost countless lives but who has been the subject of nostalgia in some quarters of late. And so Hitler is not necessarily "associated with the devil" by everyone in the region. Tul teaches one of the few university courses devoted to Nazi Germany in Thailand at Chulalongkorn University, where his syllabus begins with Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel's memoir "Night". One of his students, German major Thanapon Danpakdee, laments the carefree approach to Nazi symbols in Thailand, even when it is not meant to offend. "I think they ignore the other side," he said.

Swastikas and statues: Southeast Asia's fixation with Nazi iconography

Germany is still making payments to more than 2,000 people worldwide under a law that provides for "war victims", including those who collaborated with the World War II Nazi regime.

Official data from the Labour Ministry showed that 2,033 people benefited from such payments in February.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/merkel-says-germany-takes-responsibilty-for-nazi-crimes-in-greece-189590">Merkel says Germany takes responsibility for Nazi crimes in Greece</a>

Under the definition of the law, beneficiaries include individuals who suffered health problems from military or related service or internment because of their German citizenship or ethnicity during World War II.

Most of the beneficiaries live in Europe, with the highest number in Poland, where 573 are still receiving payments.

Other European countries with significant numbers of beneficiaries include Austria with 101, Slovenia with 184 and Croatia with 71.

In the Americas, 250 beneficiaries live in the US while 121 are in Canada.

Such payments came under scrutiny after Belgian lawmakers demanded that they be withdrawn for a handful of residents there.

Paying pensions for "collaboration in one of the most murderous regimes in history is in contradiction with collective remembrance" and against the values of the European Union, said the lawmakers, in a legislative text adopted on Tuesday.

To qualify for the payment, the individual must be able to prove an injury arising from WWII. He or she must not have been convicted of war crimes.

The law first came into force in 1950.

But after it emerged that some former Waffen SS troops were also drawing benefits, an amendment was passed in 1998 blocking individuals who have committed crimes against humanity from receiving it.

Since 2008, however, individual German states which are responsible for making the payments are allowed to withdraw them. 
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Germany is still making payments to more than 2,000 people worldwide under a law that provides for "war victims", including those who collaborated with the World War II Nazi regime.

Germany is still making payments to more than 2,000 people worldwide under a law that provides for "war victims", including those who collaborated with the World War II Nazi regime. Official data from the Labour Ministry showed that 2,033 people benefited from such payments in February. Also read: Merkel says Germany takes responsibility for Nazi crimes in Greece Under the definition of the law, beneficiaries include individuals who suffered health problems from military or related service or internment because of their German citizenship or ethnicity during World War II. Most of the beneficiaries live in Europe, with the highest number in Poland, where 573 are still receiving payments. Other European countries with significant numbers of beneficiaries include Austria with 101, Slovenia with 184 and Croatia with 71. In the Americas, 250 beneficiaries live in the US while 121 are in Canada. Such payments came under scrutiny after Belgian lawmakers demanded that they be withdrawn for a handful of residents there. Paying pensions for "collaboration in one of the most murderous regimes in history is in contradiction with collective remembrance" and against the values of the European Union, said the lawmakers, in a legislative text adopted on Tuesday. To qualify for the payment, the individual must be able to prove an injury arising from WWII. He or she must not have been convicted of war crimes. The law first came into force in 1950. But after it emerged that some former Waffen SS troops were also drawing benefits, an amendment was passed in 1998 blocking individuals who have committed crimes against humanity from receiving it. Since 2008, however, individual German states which are responsible for making the payments are allowed to withdraw them.

Germany making disputed Nazi war payments to over 2,000 people

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