Why Jewish Refugees Fled to Shanghai During WWII

Unique Sanctuary

Shanghai accepted ~20,000 European Jews (1933–1941) when most nations closed doors. Factors:

1. No visa requirements for the International Settlement (foreign concessions).
2. Established Jewish community (Baghdadi, Russian) provided networks, relief (JDC, HIAS).
3. Extraterritoriality limited Japanese control in concessions until 1943.
4. Japanese policy—relatively tolerant; rejected Nazi pressure to exterminate.
5. Transit hope—many aimed for US/Canada/Australia later.

Life in Shanghai

Designated Area (Hongkou) became a crowded ghetto (1943). Hardships: disease, malnutrition, cold winters. Yet survival rate was high. Post-war, most emigrated to Israel, US, Australia.