From 1933 to 1941,Shanghai became a modern-day "Noah's Ark" accepting around 18,000 Jewish refugees fleeing the Holocaust in Europe.In the "Designated Area for Stateless Refugees" in Tilanqiao area of Shanghai,about 14,000 Jewish refugees lived harmoniously with the local Chinese population,overcoming numerous difficulties together.By the time WW11 ended in 1945,most of the Jewish refugees survived.Dr.David Kranzler,a noted Holocaust historian,called it the "Miracle of Shanghai" and commented that within Jewry's greatest tragedy,i.e. the Holocaust,there shone a few bright lights.Among the brightest of these is the Shanghai haven.In the "tilanqiao Historic Area",the original features of the Jewish settlement are still well preserved.They are the only typical historic traces of Jewish refugee life inside China during the Second World War.

Former Ohel Moshe Synagogue
The Ohel Moshe Synagogue built by Russian Jews,is one of the two synagogue in Shanghai.It had been the major venue where the Jewish refugees gathered for relifious rites during the Second World War.In 2004,it was listed amony architectural heritage treasures of Shanghai. In 1994,Yitzhak Rabin,former Israeli Prime Minister,visited the synagogue during his visit to Shanghai and expressed his gratitude "to the people of Shanghai for unique humanitarian act of saving thousands of Jews during the Second World war,thanks in the name of the government of Israel".In March 2007, the Government of Hongkou District allocated specialfunds for a full renovation of the synagogue in accordance with the original architectural drawings found in the city archives.The former Ohel Moshe Synagogue has been restored to its original architectural style when it was used as a synagogue in 1928.The duplicated architectural drawing are shown on the first floor.The second floor is a sitting out area and there are also information search facilities including a sign-in machine,a database of the Jewish refugees,and video programs."German Nazi Death Camps - Auschwitz:Exhibition is on the 3rd floor.

Permanent Exhibition Hall
It was completed at the end of 2007.Over 140 photos are displayed and a multi-screen projection system is the first of its kind to be used in Shanghai.A short film about the refugees living in Shanghai together with an oil painting and sculptures make that phase of history come alive.In addition,duplication of a refugee's passport,the Shanghai Jewish Chronicle, and a large stone tablet engraved with Rabin's inscription are also on display.The joint efforts of historians ans artists make visitors linger without any thought of leaving.

Story Exhibition Hall
It was completed in May of 2008 and now holds the exhibition on "memories of Shanghai".The exhibition contains photos,scripts,videos and real objects that present the unforgettable experience of 27 Jews who had managed to escape the Holocaust in Europe and started a new life in Shanghai.

The Atrium
The atrium is an ideal place for taking photos of and enjoying the architectural style of the former Ohel Moshe Synagogue.It is also a favorite location for various activities.

Events and Activities
Since it was reopened after a complete renovation in 2007,Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum has co-sponsored various activites together with the Consulates General of relevant countries in Shanghai.For instance, it hosted the opening ceremony of "China-Israel Friendship" pictures Exhibition,the launching ceremony of the "Jews in Shanghai" Database,the opening ceremony of the Pictures Exhibition in Memory of Dr.Feng Shan Ho in 2008,and the pictures exhibition of "Vienna's Conscience"in 2009,and the series activities on the theme of "Jewish Refugees and Shanghai" in 2010.The "Jewish Refugees and Shanghai" Exhibition was invited in 2011 to Berlin,Hamburg and Hanover of Germany on an international tour.The"Jewish Refugees and Shanghai" Exhibition was held in Haifa,Beersheba and Jerusalem of Israel in 2012 in order to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Israel.The exhibitoin was highly praised by visitors.The exhibition will travel to the United States in 2013.
The music drama"north Bank Suzhou Greek" staged in the museum on the evening of March 22,2012 was a successful debut.
In addition,Jewish families have celebrated  the bar and bat mitzvahs of their children,as well as a Jewish weeding at the former Ohel Moshe Synagogue.

Highlights of Half Day Jewish Refugee Museum Bike Tour

Architectural Complex at Huoshan Road and Zhoushan Road Area
The buildings at there ,built in the late 1920s, are contiguous to one another in the European classical style.As it was the residential place of Jewish refugees during the Second World War,this area became a commercial center with an exotic atmosphere,known as "Little Vienna" in those days.Mr Michael Blumenthal,former secretary of the Treasury of the United States and now Director of the Jewish Museum in Berlin,once lived in a small garret at zhoushan Road area.

The Former Site of JDC
The branch office of the New York-based Amercian Jewish Join Distribution Committee (JDC) in Shanghai was Located at Huoshan Road.Built in 1910,The four-Story building had a two-bay shop.Now it serves as a multi-family residence.

Huoshan Park
Huoshan Park,formerly called Wayside Park,is located at 118 Huoshan Road.It was built in 1917 and occupies 3700 square meters.During the Second World War,the Jewish refugees from Europe often came here for recreation or gathering .Inside the park stands a monument in memory of the “Designated Area for Stateless Refugees" 

The Former Site of the Ward Road Heim, a Shelter for Jewish Refugees
After 1939,seven shelters were set up to give aid to Jewish refugees throughout the city of Shanghai.The largest on,sheltering over 1000 refugees,was inside lane on Changyang Road(the former White Russians' Camp of the Shanghai Volunteer Corps)

Mascot Roof Garden
The former site of Mascot Roof Garden is located at the top of the Broadway Theater at Huoshan Road area.It was a famous gathering place of Jewish refugees.Jewish musicians often held concerts here.