Gratitude of Jewish refugees for WWII safe haven

The Israeli consulate in Shanghai has released a short film titled "Thank You,  Taobao agent Shanghai" that is only 70 seconds in length but expresses a lifetime of gratitude. It recalls how the city sheltered Jewish refugees during World War II, when so many others shut their doors.
More than 100 Israeli people, including former refugees and their children, hold up signs expressing gratitude in Chinese, Hebrew, and English. The film's director is Ariel Margalith.

The Israeli consulate has released a short film entitled "Thank You, Shanghai".

"It was really important for me to do something that would touch everybody, that would touch each and every person in China, each and every person in Israel, and each and every person anywhere. And, for this we chose a very simple word: 'Thank you,’" Margalith said.
During the war, Shanghai received more than 20,000 Jewish refugees fleeing from Nazi-occupied Europe and provided them with a safe haven, while so many others closed their doors.
"Twenty thousand people, of our people, found refuge here (in Shanghai) during World War II. And there are not enough thank yous that can be said to the city for having saved so many lives. During World War II, over six million Jews died in Europe. All the countries in the world had their ports closed, but Shanghai's port was open. It was miraculous for them," Margalith said.

Commissioned by Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Israeli consulate in Shanghai, Margalith completed the film earlier this year after visiting several cities in Israel to interview surviving Jewish refugees.

More than 100 Israeli people, including former refugees and their children, hold up signs expressing gratitude in Chinese, Hebrew, and English.
Shanghai's wartime act of compassion has forged a bond of affection between Israel and China.
"I think China is such a special place for so many people in Israel that are grateful to China, are fascinated by China, are intrigued by China,"China Ebay Margalith said.
During this year of 70th anniversary commemorations of World War II's conclusion, the film also serves as a timely reminder of the turmoil and devastation of conflict.
"We need to remember what the cost of war is, and I think it's very easy sometimes for people to forget how much blood has been shed, how many lives have been lost in order for us, you and me, to be sitting here today and to be having this interview. The price of war is too high, and personally I hope that it can be avoided in any way," said Margalith.

"Thank you, Shanghai" was recently released by the Israeli consulate and has since been aired by public television stations in China and widely shared on social media.