SHANGHAI GHETTO Meaning and
Definition
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The "Shanghai Ghetto" refers to a neighborhood in Shanghai, China, which served as a refuge for thousands of Jewish refugees during World War II. This term specifically denotes the area where Jewish immigrants settled and lived under challenging conditions between 1943 and 1945. It became known as the "ghetto" due to the overcrowded and impoverished living conditions experienced by the Jewish residents.
In the 1930s and 1940s, amid rising anti-Semitism and escalating persecution of Jews in Europe, many sought refuge in Shanghai, a city that did not require visas for entry. As a result, a significant number of Jewish refugees, mainly from Europe, found themselves in Shanghai's Hongkou district, which became known as the Shanghai Ghetto.
The ghetto was characterized by its cramped and dilapidated living spaces, with multiple families sharing one room or small apartments. Limited access to resources, including food, sanitation, and medical services, added to the harsh living conditions. The large influx of refugees put a strain on the local infrastructure but also resulted in a sense of community among the Jewish residents who supported and relied on one another for survival.
Despite the challenges, the Shanghai Ghetto provided sanctuary to approximately 20,000 Jewish refugees who managed to escape the atrocities of the Holocaust. The liberation of Shanghai by the Allies in 1945 marked the end of this period, and many Jewish survivors eventually emigrated to other countries. The Shanghai Ghetto stands historically significant as one of the few places that offered a safe haven to persecuted Jewish individuals during World War II.
Etymology of SHANGHAI GHETTO
The term "Shanghai Ghetto" refers to a specific area in Shanghai, China, during the Second World War where thousands of Jewish refugees sought shelter and lived. The etymology of the term can be broken down as follows:1. Shanghai: The word "Shanghai" comes from the Chinese name "Shàng hǎi" (上海), which means "upon the sea". Shanghai is a major city and seaport in eastern China.2. Ghetto: The term "ghetto" has its origins in Venice, Italy, dating back to the 16th century. The Venetian Republic segregated Jewish residents in a specific district called "ghetto" (meaning "foundry" in Venetian dialect) on the island of the same name. The term eventually came to be associated with any section of a city where marginalized or minority groups were forced to live due to social, economic, or political reasons.
