Chinese Social Media Video Suggests Temporary Closure Of Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum Is Linked To Remarks By Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

On May 13, 2024, a user named "A Lemon Green" on the Chinese social media platform Xigua Video posted a video suggesting that the recent temporary closure of the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum for renovations earlier this year may have been linked to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks on the minimal international support enjoyed by the Jewish people during World War II. The video said that Netanyahu has distorted historical facts, ignoring the aid given by a Chinese diplomat to 4,000 Jews in escaping to Shanghai. At of the end of July, the museum has re-opened to the public, although the synagogue within the museum is still closed for renovations, with no announced reopening date.

Narrator: "Today, we are going to discuss a recent topic that has caused quite a stir internationally. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's speech at the Holocaust memorial event and the subsequent closure of the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum seem like a coincidence, but could there be a deeper significance behind these events?

"First, let's review Netanyahu's remarks. At the Holocaust memorial event, he claimed that no country extended a helping hand to the Jews during World War II. Such a statement is undoubtedly a distortion and falsification of history.

"It is important to remember that during World War II, Mr. Ho Feng-Shan, the Chinese Consul General in Vienna, took great risks to issue visas to over 4,000 Jews, providing them refuge in China. China's assistance was particularly precious and important in that era of widespread conflict. So why would Netanyahu make such statements?

"Perhaps there are complex political considerations behind this. On one hand, Israel's close relationships with some Western countries may require maintaining a unified stance on certain issues. On the other hand, Israel might also hope to use such statements to strengthen Jewish unity and solidarity.

"Regardless, such remarks are irresponsible and damaging to historical truth. Moreover, the announcement of the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum's closure for renovation has attracted widespread attention. The official reason given is renovation, but the specific renovation plans and completion timeline have not been disclosed, leading to speculation about other possible reasons behind the closure. In my view, these two events are not merely coincidences. The remarks of the Israeli Prime Minister may have influenced the Jewish community's perception and attitude towards China to some extent.The closure of the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum might be a response within this context."