Arrival in Shanghai: A Sanctuary for Jewish Refugees (1933-1941)

Weihan Liu

doi:10.4236/sm.2021.111003

Abstract

Between 1933 and 1941, approximately 30,000 Jewish refugees arrived on the coast of Shanghai. While some of them passed through to other countries for sanctuary, most of them stayed in Shanghai until the war ended. These refugees represented the Third Wave of Jewish migration into Shanghai. In the light of the Sino-Japanese war, the governing authorities in Shanghai tried to stem the influx of Jewish refugees. Despite this pressure, the Jewish refugees managed to not only enter Shanghai but quickly create thriving communities in the Tilanqiao area. This paper argues that they were able to do this because of extensive help provided by already established Jewish communities in Shanghai and overseas organizations such as the Joint Distribution Committee. The support provided by these entities is often underplayed in the official historical reports of this time. Using documentary evidence and refugee memoirs, this paper will argue that in the absence of this help from the Jewish communities and overseas organizations, the Jewish refugees would not have been able to enter Shanghai, escape Nazi persecution and thrive in the way that they did.

Highlights

During World War II, thousands of Jews fled Nazi persecution in Europe to find refuge in countries across the globe including Shanghai
This paper argues that they were able to do this because of extensive help provided by already established Jewish communities in Shanghai and overseas organizations such as the Joint Distribution Committee
This paper will examine the relationship between the refugees of the third wave, the Jewish community in Shanghai, and other organizations that played a role in the migration

Summary

Introduction

During World War II, thousands of Jews fled Nazi persecution in Europe to find refuge in countries across the globe including Shanghai. As the refugees scrambled to create a home for themselves, they faced stiff resistance from the governing foreign authorities who put pressure on the local Jewish communities to stem the further influx of refugees Among these governing authorities were the French, the British, the Japanese, and the Shanghai Municipal Council (SMC). This paper will examine the relationship between the refugees of the third wave, the Jewish community in Shanghai, and other organizations that played a role in the migration Following this initial examination, the paper will introduce primary sources to demonstrate that the Jews faced challenges during their flight to Shanghai, they were met with support both from local Jewish communities and allies overseas which was crucial for their survival.

Historical Background of First Two Waves

Relationship between the Third Wave and Its Predecessors

Expanding the Material and the Dramatis Personae

Conclusion