From March 6th to 20th, 2015, a special delegation of 68 members from Jewish Federation of North America (JFNA) came to China, and visited Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an and Hong Kong. Most of the delegates were the first time to China. On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the victory of the world anti-fascist war, they came with a special purpose of searching for the history of how Chinese have provided generous help for tens of thousands of Jews during WWII.
During the visit in Beijing, Mr. Xu Kuangdi, former Vice Chairman of the CPPCC and President of China-US Friendship Association, Mme. Li Xiaolin, President of CPAFFC and Mr. Wu Sike, Ambassador at large on the Middle East met with the delegation in Diaoyutai State Guesthouse on March 12.
Chairman Xu Kuangdi said in his remarks that both Chinese and Jewish people suffered so much during the WWII. Chinese people opened their doors and hearts to the Jewish people when they came to Shanghai for help, in which this became solid foundation of friendship between the two peoples. In recent years, many Jewish people from all over the world come back to China to search for their old Chinese friends and neighbors, and some 3rd generation come to feel the land that once has provided warm and hope to their grandparents. Chairman Xu specially mentioned an exhibition on the history of Jewish refugees in Hongkou District of Shanghai, which has kept many unforgettable memories. He wish more Jewish people could donate their old pictures and articles for the exhibition to remember the history of Jewish people in Shanghai. Chairman Xu also said that this year is the 70th anniversary of the victory of the world anti-fascist war. Chinese people treasure the friendship with Jewish people, and will continue to be a reliable, trustworthy and responsible partner and friend of Jewish people in the world.
Chairman Xu Kuangdi’s speech touched the whole delegation, and many of the delegates could not help themselves stand-up and gave a long and warm applause to show their deep respect and appreciation. Mme. Suzanne Grant, the head of delegation, on behalf of 68 delegates, expressed sincere thanks to Chinese people during WWII to help all the Jewish people. She also expressed her wish to further promote friendship and cooperations between Chinese and Jewish peoples as well as to have effort for enhancing a sound relationship between China and America.
After the speeches, Luochuan Junior Yangko Team and Ansai Junior Waist Drum Team, sponsored by “Rainbow Bridge Project”, performed a special folk dance for the Jewish friends, and also presented a patchwork named “Xin Tian You at the foot of Pagoda Mountain” to the delegation as a special gift.
The JFNA Delegation consists of influential lawyers, doctors, entrepreneurs, businessmen and social activists in the US. After Beijing, they visited Shanghai Jewish relics and hold Sabbath ceremony in Ohel Rachel Synagogue in Shanghai as well.
