Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum holds commemorative event

The Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum on Thursday held a commemoration ceremony for the 76th anniversary of China's victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War.

The museum features nearly 1,000 exhibits, most of which were donated by Jews and their descendants, according to Chen Jian, curator of the museum.

With the theme "Shared Future and Cherish Peace", the ceremony featured representatives from home and abroad, including officials from consulate generals in Shanghai, to watch a documentary titled "Above the Drowning Sea".

Sponsored by Thai conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Group, the documentary recounts stories of Jewish refugees who sought sanctuary in Shanghai during World War II.

"The collection, research and use of historical materials is crucial to recording the history of Jewish refugees in Shanghai. We hope people learn from history through the documentary while embracing a peaceful future together," said Chen.

"This event comes at an instrumental time especially for Jewish people as they will celebrate the Jewish New Year next week," said John Degory, public affairs section chief of the US Consulate General in Shanghai.

Helmut Rakowitsch, consul general of Austria in Shanghai, expressed his thanks to Shanghai and the Hongkou district for providing shelter and lending a helping hand to the Jews during the war.

According to Rakowitsch, the Austrian Consulate General in Shanghai, its German counterpart and the museum are currently preparing a related project to commemorate the occasion.

Yang Hong contributed to the story.