Harbin’s story reads like a script

When Simon Caspe returned from his studies in Paris to his birthplace, he was set on the career path of concert pianist. The 24-year-old was tall, good-looking, wealthy, and was already getting rave reviews for his performances.

Then tragedy struck. On an August night, while dropping off his girlfriend, he was kidnapped. Half a year later, his body was recovered. His ears had been cut off and large portions of his skin were frozen off.

The year was 1933 and the place was Harbin, where Simon was born. The incident marked an unofficial end to the short-lived freedom Jews, most from Russia, enjoyed in the northeastern Chinese city, prospering as business people and getting a respite from the raging waves of anti-Semitism engulfing Europe.