Jewish People in Tianjin

By Anna Song

It was not just with WWII when Jewish people first lived in Tianjin. There were 3 surges of Jews in its history. Early in 1860,when Tianjin was forced to open to foreign trade, merchants of European countries, including Jews, came to Tianjin; in early 19th century, a large number of Jews came to China because of Russian policy against Jews and the following Russian Revolution; the third surge was during WWII and that was the largest number. As the Jewish Yearbook, which was published in the US in late 1930s, recorded, there were 3500 Jews living in Tianjin in 1935.

There were two main groups of Jews then: merchants with their employees, and professionals (doctors, engineers, lawyers, musicians and teachers).

Jews were good at doing business; they established foreign firms and traded. Profit of trading furs was high at that time, they purchased furs from the northwest and northeast areas of China, processed them into products and sold them abroad to Europe and America. Some Jewish merchants worked in fields of jewelry, finance, and restaurants. The Western restaurant, Kissling, whose trade is still brisk, used to be Victoria Restaurant. It was originally opened by two Chinese men and a Jew (as the extension of his career).

Jewish people, who lived on their knowledge, also left their life traces in Tianjin. Chinese people came into contact with Jewish doctors most frequently. A Jewish doctor who worked in Demei Hospital (opened by Germans and some say it is Hexi Hospital today) had very good skill; he was a private doctor to some wealthy families. Once there were many clinics operated by Jews. Besides this, Jews worked as craftsmen, barbers, watchmakers, drivers and even pedicurists. They could make a living in this open city as long as they had some skill.

The Synagogue built in 1940 used to be the most important place where Jews gathered; it witnessed their births, deaths and weddings-nearly all the important experiences in their lives. This building is still standing; a restaurant opened there several years ago but closed in 2001.The original features of this building's architecture were conserved when it was decorated, and the pictures were revealed from under the wallpaper.

A Jewish hospital, cemetery and other welfare and relief organizations all belonged to the Jewish community. The Jewish hospital was at No.66 Street in the former English concession. It accepted Chinese patients as well as Jews. Now it is the Hospital for Infectious Diseases of Tianjin. The Home for Destitute Old People accepted specially Jewish solitary old people. The Jewish dining hall was at No.41 Street in the former English concession; it provided relief to poor Jews. The Jewish cemetery is now in Hedong District of Tianjin. Jewish people in Tianjin established their own charity associations as well.

The Jewish school, which offered education to Jewish children of Tianjin and northern China, was established in October, 1925. The address was No.126 in the former English concession. Students were taught Jewish history and Hebrew language, and literature in English. All subjects were set so that the students could have the ability to study further in European universities. Of the 130 students in 1942, 67 were male, and 63 were female. There were 13 staff and 2400 books in the library. There were four departments: elementary, junior, senior, and kindergarten.

In 1937,the Jewish Club was built at No.24 Street in the former English concession (Qufu Road today). The club had a library and theatre as well as dining room, chess room and some gambling devices. It became the Tianjin People's Art Gallery before it was demolished in 1999.

Although many Jewish buildings no longer exist, old houses can be found everywhere and countless complicated stories remain under cover. When I walk along these streets, I often feel their existence. Maybe the silhouette in that corner flashing before my eyes is the shadow of busy work. Maybe the lingering smell among the tiles and bricks is their smoke spiraling from kitchen chimney…