In the darkest hours of human history, there are those whose courage and compassion shine as beacons of hope. One such individual was Ho Feng-Shan, a Chinese diplomat whose bravery went largely unrecognized for decades. Today, we delve into the remarkable tale of the man who became a lifeline for thousands during World War II.
Ho Feng-Shan’s legacy
Ho Feng-Shan, serving as the Chinese Consul General in Vienna during the Nazi regime, became an unsung hero for many Jewish families. His actions paralleled those of Oskar Schindler, but instead of a list, Ho had visas — the tickets to survival for those facing certain doom.
The witnesses of survival
Heinz Grünberg, the principal violinist of the Vienna Philharmonic, and Michael Blumenthal, a former United States Secretary of the Treasury, were among the many who owed their lives to the visas issued by Ho. These visas became their passage to Shanghai and freedom in countries like Canada, South America, the Philippines, the United States, Palestine, and Cuba.
The desperate queue at the Chinese consulate
Eric Goldstaub, a 17-year-old Jewish youth, found hope when Ho issued him not one but 20 visas to Shanghai after being turned away by over 50 other consulates. The news of the Chinese consulate issuing visas spread like wildfire, leading to long lines that seemed to vanish into the snowy horizon. Ho’s visas were a torch in the night for those desperate to escape.
Beyond the call of duty
Ho Feng-Shan’s commitment went beyond issuing visas. He worked tirelessly into the night, refusing to rest until every application was processed. His dedication extended to personally escorting Jews back home to ensure their safety from Nazi thugs.
Defiance against the Nazis
When the Nazis pressured the Chinese embassy in Berlin to stop Ho from issuing visas, he defied the orders, understanding that each visa represented a life, a family’s chance at survival.
The Shanghai visa scheme
Ho’s daughter, Ho Manli, later discovered why her father issued visas to a Japanese-occupied Shanghai that didn’t require them. The visas served as proof of emigration, allowing Jews to leave Nazi-occupied territories. Many used these visas to reach other destinations, but without them, they had no reason to leave Vienna.
Shanghai: The eastern Noah’s Ark
Nearly 30,000 Jewish refugees found sanctuary in Shanghai during World War II, creating enduring memories of their kind and friendly Chinese neighbors. Shanghai became their Eastern Noah’s Ark, a haven amidst the storm of war.
The diplomat’s strategy
Ho Feng-Shan, armed only with wit and strategic insight, saved thousands of Jewish refugees by exploiting a loophole. Under Japanese occupation, Shanghai had become an open port where visas weren’t required for entry. Ho’s “Shanghai Visa Scheme” provided the necessary documentation for Jews to leave Nazi territories.
A path to freedom
Ho Feng-Shan once said that the visas were nominally for Shanghai, but they served to provide Jews with a route to their preferred destinations. His strategy was a success, and from the end of 1938 to 1940, at least 18,000 Jewish refugees found temporary refuge in Shanghai, with many reaching their intended havens.
The unsung hero
Ho Feng-Shan’s story is a testament to the power of individual action in the face of overwhelming adversity. His legacy teaches us that one person’s courage can indeed make a world of difference. As we reflect on the past, let us honor the memory of Ho Feng-Shan, China’s Schindler, whose light guided many to safety in their darkest times.
As millennials, we often seek inspiration through influencers and trendsetters. Still, the story of Ho Feng-Shan reminds us that true heroes act selflessly, risking everything for the sake of others. Let’s carry forward the spirit of Ho Feng-Shan by standing up for what is right and extending a helping hand to those in need, regardless of the recognition we may or may not receive.
See Part 1 here
