About this Event
How do you reconstruct the history of a community when so much has been lost? Through passports, diaries, photographs, and ritual objects preserved in the JFCS Holocaust Center collection, this presentation follows the remarkable journeys of Jewish refugees who escaped Nazi persecution and found refuge in wartime Shanghai.
Their stories reveal how an established Jewish community in China helped thousands of refugees rebuild their lives, how that community endured war and occupation, and how many survivors eventually made San Francisco their home. Blending global history with personal narratives, this presentation uncovers one of the lesser-known chapters of Holocaust history through the objects that preserve its memory.
12-12:45pm: Lunch
12:45-2: Learn + Q&A with Facilitator Ron Glait
Program Pricing: $18
Ron Glait, MEd brings a deeply personal commitment to Holocaust education as the Director of Community Education at the JFCS Holocaust Center. As the grandchild of Holocaust survivors, he is dedicated to preserving his family’s legacy and ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust endure. He holds a Master of Education from The Kibbutzim College of Education in Tel Aviv, where his research explored the intersection of collective and personal memory in second- and third-generation survivors. With over a decade of experience in education and program management, Ron is eager to lead community programs and create transformative educational experiences that engage diverse audiences with Jewish history, culture, and art. He strives to foster dialogue about history and culture. Previously, at The Contemporary Jewish Museum, he developed and implemented educational programs, including guided tours, university courses, and virtual learning that reached global audiences. Ron is a passionate advocate for Holocaust and Genocide education. In the face of rising antisemitism and hate crimes, he remains committed to leveraging education and community engagement to confront these challenges.
This event is geared towards Emanu-El's Sage members aged 65+. Please reach out to Program Manager Jillian Osheroff at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Photo Description: Celebration of High Holidays with Cantor Florsheim, at the Shanghai Ghetto, c. 1943-1945
Credit: Tauber Holocaust Library and Archives of the Jewish Family and Children’s Services Holocaust Center of San Francisco
Event venue & nearby stays
Congregation Emanu-El, 2 Lake Street, San Francisco, United States