This was announced by the World Jewish Congress. During the Japanese occupation, approximately 23 thousand Jews were closed into the area to pay homage to Hitler, Tokyo’s ally. Liberated on September 3, 1945, "it is a part of the extermination that is never remembered."

Beijing (AsiaNews) - For the first time since World War II, the Jews confined in the Shanghai Ghetto i during the Japanese occupation of China will be solemnly commemorated by the Beijing government and the World Jewish Congress.

This was announced by the Congress after a meeting between the Administration Officer Robert Singer and the Minister for Home Affairs overseas Chinese Qiu Yuanpin. Beijing, said Singer, "is one of the top players in international affairs, and it is in the best interests of world Jewry that we forge even closer relations with Beijing".

Formally known as the 'Restricted Sector for Stateless Refugees', the Shanghai Ghetto was home to about 23,000 Jewish refugees who had fled from Europe. Japan, a member of the Axis, penned them into the Ghetto  to please Hitler, although it did not implement mass murders like those of Poland or Germany. The Ghetto was liberated by Chinese troops September 3, 1945, after the capitulation of Tokyo.

The Congress President Ronald Lauder, said that "We will commemorate, for the first time, part of the Holocaust that tends to get less attention. This historic event also marks another step towards strengthening the bonds between the Chinese and Jewish people." For his part, Minister Qiu clarified that "it is our shared duty to promote the mutual understanding, friendship, exchange and cooperation between the overseas Chinese and Jewish people. Both Chinese and Jewish nations have suffered at the hands of Fascist forces, but, ultimately, achieved final victory after unyielding struggle. We hope to commemorate this historic moment".

In mainland China, the government recognises only five religions: Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism and Protestantism.  Religious believers have to register with state-sponsored religious organisations or live their faith under serious restrictions, running grave risks. Judaism is not a recognised religion. Still, despite the lack of government approval, the authorities have tacitly tolerated the practicing of the Jewish faith. China's ties with Israel have also improved significantly since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, marking a turning point for Jewish revival in China.

 

• China
• Holocaust
• commemoration
• Shanghai
• Ghetto