Israel presents a moving tribute to Shanghai

Israel on August 26 paid tribute to Shanghai's efforts in helping Jewish people during World War II with a video titled "Thank you Shanghai". The video, which features Israelis from all walks of life coming together to raise banners with the words "Thank You" written in Chinese, Hebrew and English, was created by the General Consulate of Israel in Shanghai.

It premiered at the re-opening ceremony of the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum as part of commemorations of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

"For us, this year also marks the liberation of the Shanghai Ghetto," said Arnon Perlman, consul-general of Israel in Shanghai.

"Over 20,000 Jews lived here during World War II. We thought it is our duty to say thank you to the Shanghainese for being such gracious hosts for the Jewish people in our darkest hour," added Perlman.

The emotional short clip opens with World War II survivors who once took refuge in Shanghai giving thanks with their families. It also includes a host of other famous personalities, including Israeli magician Hezi Din, Nobel Prize laureate Robert J. Aumann and even Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Perlman said that everyone jumped at the opportunity to become a part of the video and added that the project organizers could have created a four-hour movie due to the overwhelming response, but decided to narrow it down to just over one minute so as to better grasp the attention of the viewers.

The video will be sent to Israeli consulates and embassies all around the world while a microsite has also been set up to spread word about it. Nadav Zysblat, deputy consul-general in Shanghai, said that people are encouraged to scan the video's QR code and share it with their friends.

The video has already garnered many responses from viewers. Some Chinese people have even uploaded short videos of themselves holding placards with the words, "You are welcome" in response to the effort.

"It's not just a Jewish and Chinese story. It's a story of friendship," said Perlman, adding that the purpose of the movie is to remember history and gain a good perspective of the future.

"One should never forget about the past if you want to look into the future with optimism. And that's something which is similar both for Chinese and Jewish people."