In the annals of history, there are countless unsung heroes whose acts of bravery and kindness go unnoticed for decades. One such figure is Ho Feng-Shan, a Chinese diplomat whose quiet heroism during one of humanity’s darkest times remained largely unknown until his death. This is how Ho Feng-Shan, often called “China’s Schindler,” finally received recognition for his selfless actions in saving Jewish refugees during World War II.
The revelation of a hero
Ho Feng-Shan passed away on September 28, 1997, in San Francisco, leaving behind a legacy that was yet to be fully uncovered. It was his daughter, Ho Manli, a journalist, who inadvertently initiated the unveiling of her father’s heroic deeds. In an obituary published in The Boston Globe, she included a brief account of her father’s tenure as the Consul General in Vienna, where he saved a Jewish family. This small mention caught the attention of American Jewish historian Eric Saul, who promptly reached out to Ho Manli.
Saul, who was curating a photo exhibition on diplomats who rescued Jews, was excited to learn more about Ho Feng-Shan’s efforts. However, Ho Manli knew little about the extent of her father’s actions, as he had not spoken much about them during his lifetime.
The legacy of Ho Feng-Shan emerges
Eric Saul’s subsequent research led to the discovery of Jewish survivors and their descendants who had received visas signed by Ho Feng-Shan himself. These documents brought to light a chapter of history that had been buried for over half a century. As the story gained global attention, Jewish Holocaust exhibitions began to feature Ho prominently, and media outlets around the world reported on his courageous deeds.
Ho Feng-Shan’s humility was such that he rarely spoke of his actions during the war. His daughter recalls how her father, a patriot who witnessed China’s humiliation under foreign imperialism, empathized deeply with the persecution of any nation. “Seeing the plight of the Jews, it was natural to feel sympathy and, from a humanitarian standpoint, it was right to help them,” she reflected.
Posthumous honors and recognition
After Ho Feng-Shan’s passing, honors and accolades began to pour in. On January 23, 2001, the Israeli government posthumously awarded him the title “Righteous Among the Nations.” His name was inscribed in the Garden of the Righteous at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem. European historians acknowledged Ho as one of the “Righteous” for saving Jewish lives.
In January 2001, an exhibition called “Visas for Life” in Stockholm, Sweden, highlighted the efforts of diplomats who saved Jews from Nazi persecution, with Ho Feng-Shan featured prominently. His hometown of Yiyang in Hunan province held a centennial commemoration, and the United Nations hosted a memorial exhibition showcasing the valiant efforts of diplomats, including Ho, the only Chinese diplomat honored.
The United States Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad commemorated Ho’s heroism on May 21, 2008, in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Senate passed a resolution praising his courage and humanitarian spirit. A memorial plaque was unveiled at the former site of the Chinese Consulate in Vienna, and memorials were established in Shanghai, Tel Aviv, and San Francisco.
A lasting tribute
On March 15, 2018, “Ho Feng-Shan Square” was inaugurated in Milan, Italy — the first street in the country to be named after a Chinese individual. This tribute is a testament to the power of one person’s actions to make a difference and the importance of preserving their memory.
In closing
Ho Feng-Shan’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of individual courage in the face of adversity. It took the passing of time and the dedication of historians and family members to bring his story to light. Today, we honor a man who acted not for recognition but out of a profound sense of humanity and compassion. May his legacy inspire future generations to work with the same moral conviction and kindness toward those in need.
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