JEWISH TOUR-Ohel Moshe Synagogue

Ohel Moshe Synagogue:  At a time when the Jewish community turned to the world for refuge, Shanghai openly welcomed nearly 20,000 Jews in search of sanctuary during World War II. At the height of the war, Shanghai was the only city in the world that did not require a visa when entering the country. While the majority of Jewish refugees that made their way to Shanghai were of Austrian and German decent, Shanghai also provided refuge to a significant number of Polish Jews.

Throughout the duration of the war, seven synagogues provided a place of refuge and worship for the Jewish population residing in Shanghai. Among these sanctuaries stood the Ohel Moshe Synagogue, home to the Jewish Youth Organization. First established in 1907 the synagogue was relocated to its current site in 1927 where it served as a place of gathering for the Jewish community for religious activities.
Today the Ohel Moshe Synagogue has been restored to its original state and is home to the Shanghai Jewish Refugee Museum, containing a collection of cultural and historical relics and photographs documenting the significance of Shanghai's Jewish community. Still serving as a sanctuary for religious services, the Ohel Moshe Synagogue has been recognized for its historical significance, declared by the Hongkou District as a protected cultural institution.