Shanghai's Jewish community made their presence known during World War II when about 30,000 Jewish refugees fled Europe for Shanghai. The community thrived and today as a result Shanghai now benefits from their bakeries, cafes, schools and synagogues. Visit Huoshan Park, the Monument in Memory of Jewish Refugees, Duolun Road showing the history of Shanghai in the 1920's-30's.
At the beginning of World War II, about 30,000 Jewish refugees fled from Europe to Shanghai. Calling themselves 'Shanghailanders', most settled in the Hongkou District where the local residents kindly offered food and medicine for these displaced people. The Jewish community thrived in the Hongkou. Bakeries, stores, cafes, synagogues, schools, clinics, cemeteries, and even a Jewish newspaper all flourished there.
Built in 1927, the Ohel Moishe Synagogue served as the spiritual heart of Shanghai's Jewish community and currently houses the Museum for Jewish Refugees. It has been reconstructed to its original appearance and features a photo exhibition from the period. On this tour you'll also visit Huoshan Park, a peaceful retreat where the Monument in Memory of Jewish Refugees now stands. Duolun Road is also a must-see stop because of the history, culture and humanity of 1920s-30s Shanghai. You'll wander among the museums, antique and curio houses, calligraphers' and painters' studios, bookshops and literary clubs, teahouses and wine bars.
Shanghai's Jewish community made their presence known during World War II when about 30,000 Jewish refugees fled Europe for Shanghai. The community thrived and today as a result Shanghai now benefits from their bakeries, cafes, schools and synagogues. Visit Huoshan Park, the Monument in Memory of Jewish Refugees, Duolun Road showing the history of Shanghai in the 1920's-30's.
