History of Jews in shanghai
In the history of Shanghai, there was a group of Jews who had played an active role between 1840s and 1950s in Shanghai. Some of them created the business empire in the “Paradise of Ventures”, some built the most stunning and marvelous buildings for the city including the Peace Hotel, Marble House (Children’s Palace) and Grosvenor House (a part of Jin Jiang Hotel) however, most people came here to escape the war or massacre from Nazi Party.
In February 1943, the occupying force of the Japanese army drove the "stateless Jews" into a "Designated Area" in Hóngkou District (north of the Bund), marked by today’s Zhoujiazui Lù in the north, Huìmín Lù in the south, Tongbei Lù in the east, and Gongpíng Lù in the west. Tens of thousands of Jews lived cheek by jowl in this "Ghetto," where the local synagogue became the center of their material and spiritual life.
From 1843 to 1952, approximately 30,000 Jews stayed at Shanghai in its peak. During this period, Jews set up many religious and business associations, synagogues, schools, hospitals, presses, distribution associations. They had taken the job as doctor、lawyer、artist、engineer、 businessman、fashion designer. Some even learnt the Chinese cooking to earn money. Meanwhile, Sephardic and Russian Jews had worked together to offer food、shelter and clothing for the European refugees until the end of the World War Ⅱand finally they left Shanghai to Israel which was set up in 1948.
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