In the annals of history, tales of heroism and humanity often emerge from the darkest times. One such story is that of Ho Feng-Shan, a man whose courageous actions during the Holocaust earned him the title of “The Chinese Schindler.” His legacy is a testament to the power of compassion and the indomitable spirit of those who choose to do good in the face of evil.
A tribute to a hero
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon once said: “Ho Feng-Shan is not a hero or an angel; he is God.” Such high praise is echoed by the Israeli Embassy’s Minister Counselor, Mordecai Miron, who called Ho “a light in the darkness of the Jewish people’s night.”
In 2001, the Israeli government honored him with a commemorative Jerusalem plaque inscribed “The Chinese man we shall never forget.” Ho Feng-Shan’s posthumous accolades include the title of Righteous Among the Nations, Israel’s highest honor, and the designation of Honorary Citizen by the Israeli government. In 2015, the government of the Republic of China officially commended Ho for his actions during World War II, recognizing his role in saving thousands of Jewish refugees.
The journey of Ho Feng-Shan
But who was Ho Feng-Shan? Born into poverty, he lost his father at a young age. Through hard work and determination, he excelled academically, eventually earning a doctorate in political economics from the University of Munich in 1932. His diplomatic career began in 1935, marking the start of a 40-year tenure in the service of the Republic of China.
From poverty to diplomacy
Born into a poor family, Ho Feng-Shan’s education was made possible through the support of the Lutheran Church. He achieved academic excellence, culminating in a Ph.D. from the University of Munich. His diplomatic career spanned 40 years, beginning with the Republic of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Vienna assignment and lifesaving visas
In 1937, Ho was appointed as a secretary at the Chinese legation in Austria. Following the Anschluss in 1938, when Nazi Germany annexed Austria, he was promoted to Consul General in Vienna. It was here that Ho Feng-Shan made a decision that would save thousands of lives.
The plight of Austrian Jews
Austria was home to approximately 185,000 Jews, targeted for extermination by the Nazis. To escape, Jews needed visas, which were increasingly difficult to obtain as countries closed their doors. Ho Feng-Shan, moved by the desperate situation, began issuing “visas for life” to Jewish refugees.
Defying orders to save lives
Despite orders from the Chinese government to stop issuing visas, Ho Feng-Shan refused to stand by and watch the suffering. He continued to issue visas out of a rented apartment when Nazi authorities seized the consulate. His actions led to a reprimand from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which did not deter him.
The Shanghai refuge
Ho’s visas allowed thousands of Jews to flee to Shanghai, which welcomed more Jewish refugees than Canada, Australia, India, South Africa, and New Zealand combined. Shanghai became a sanctuary for over 30,000 Jewish refugees during the war.
A legacy of courage
Ho Feng-Shan’s relentless efforts resulted in the issuance of thousands of life-saving visas. He worked tirelessly until he had to leave Vienna, ensuring as many visas as possible were in the hands of those who needed them. His actions saved lives and contributed to the foundation of the State of Israel, as many of those he helped would become part of the nation’s backbone.
Remembering a hero
Ho Feng-Shan passed away in San Francisco in 1997 at 96, having lived a life dedicated to service in his diplomatic career and church work. His story is a powerful reminder of one person’s impact on the lives of many. It is a call to remember that there can be beacons of hope in times of despair and that sometimes, those are people like Ho Feng-Shan, the Chinese Schindler.
As we reflect on past lessons, let us carry forward the spirit of Ho Feng-Shan, a man who chose to be a light in the face of unimaginable darkness.
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