s pious believers and practitioners of their convictions, the Jewish diaspora were blatantly and malevolently ostracized in Nazi Germany and other European countries annexed by the Nazis. Tragically, when the Jews faced the imminent disaster of ethnic annihilation, the world was in such a horror that most countries in the world shunned the Jews. However, they have never given up the desire to survive and revive.

Although Shanghai was also severely ravaged during WWII by the Japanese aggression, it opened arms to an influx of Jewish refugees with great kindness and empathy. From 1938 to 1945, thousands of Austrian Jews escaped the Nazi persecution by seeking refuge in Shanghai, with the European Jewish refugees the first to set up their communities. At that time, no consulate or embassy in Vienna was prepared to grant these Jewish refugees immigrant visas. Visas destined for China were cherished as “visas for life.”

The Jewish refugees in the Designated Area in Shanghai encountered many difficulties and challenges, while the Chinese neighbors who were not better off tried their utmost to help them out. Jewish children played various games with their Chinese friends. As a Jewish refugee recalled, “My childhood’s heart would always remain in Shanghai, and my heart would be filled with gratitude for China forever.” Chinese girls got married to young Jewish men. A Jewish man’s tombstone was inscribed with a quote from The Analects, “If you, Master, do not speak, what shall we, your disciples, have to record?” This precious history stroke a long-lasting bond between the Chinese and the Jewish, who have been praying for the well-being of China amid the COVID-19 outbreak. This mutual diplomatic relationship found its roots in the wartime friendship established between Shanghai and the Jewish diaspora.

“In this whole wide universe, here is the Earth that feeds the human race, generation after generation. Here is our one common home,” read one inscription on the wall inside the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum. “The touching stories based on the memorable past and special bond shared by Jewish refugees in Shanghai still continue today. Hand in hand, we shall continue our journey together heading for the beautiful home of mankind.”

May we never forget!