My China: Jewish Life in the Orient: 1900-1950, by Yaacov (Yana) Liberman.

(Gefen Publishing House, Ltd. POB 36004, Jerusalem, 91360 , Israel. (972-2-5380247), email: isragefen@netmedia.net.il Also obtainable from the Judah L. Magnes Museum, 2911 Russell St., Berkeley, CA 94705) ($20)

By Eleanor Parker

Although several former members of the Jewish communities of Shanghai and Tientsin have written memoirs lately, little has been published about the Harbin community, one of the strongest and most viable. Yaacov Liberman was born in Harbin in 1923 and had extensive contact with most of the Jewish communities in Tientsin; Shanghai; Taiwan; Kobe, Japan; and Hawaii as well.

Born to wealthy parents, Liberman was strongly influenced by the revisionist ideas of Vladimir Jabotinsky, whose Zionist beliefs stated that the key to Jewish national rejuvenation was to be found in the new generation of Jewish youth. Jobotinsky founded the Betar movement which attracted young people, and the author was strongly influenced by his train of thought. The entire book is permeated with references to the Betar movement, so that the book becomes a personal memoir of political activity.

Like many other foreign residents of China, Harbin Jews had little contact with the Chinese people. However, the Europeans, for the most part, moved freely and enjoyed peaceful interaction with their neighbors. The Jews in China were quite distinctive — they never considered China a permanent home and realized that Chinese citizenship required birth from a Chinese mother.

Zionism was important throughout the Jewish communities and there was constant interaction with world Zionist movements. Some of Israel’s current leaders had Asian connections, including Ehud Olmert, the Mayor of Jerusalem.

Harbin was a desirable place to live and many cultural institutions were formed, including a Talmud Torah which played an important part in the daily lives of the residents. Over 12,000 Jews living in Harbin were often oblivious to the political strife raging around them. They were engaged in a myriad of businesses and professions, eclipsing other Jewish communities in Mukden, Darien, and Tsingtao. A high degree of cultural activities included theater, ballet, opera, several orchestras and several newspapers. Graduates of Harbin’s (Russian) high school were well educated and matriculated into college and universities in Europe and the United States without any language difficulties. One major problem, however, was the kidnapping of wealthy Jews. If the ransom was not paid or not paid quickly enough, the hostages were killed.

The Betar movement became a symbol of Jewish conscience and pride, a guardian and Jewish honor and a security force. Liberman was instrumental in establishing Betar movements or working very closely with local groups wherever he went.

Because of his extensive travels, Liberman was able to contrast daily life experiences in many communities. Due to his political involvement, he met many local and foreign dignitaries. He remained in Shanghai until December, 1948 when he then spent 52 days aboard ship until he reached Haifa. But life did not end for him in Israel --- he is too active a person. He became involved in Israeli politics and remained dedicated to the Betar. He accepted a job in Tokyo and obtained a bachelor's degree in economics and a master's in political science. He became an active member of the Tokyo Jewish community as well.

Returning to Israel in 1972, he engaged in the import-export businesses and from 1975 to 1985 he lived in Taiwan where he helped establish Jewish institutional structures and was elected President of the Taipei Jewish community for a year. He subsequently moved to Hawaii and finally to San Diego where he resides today, writing articles on Israeli politics and several plays as well.

His book is remarkable in covering so much territory over a relatively short period of time. Most Jewish residents in China lived in one or at the most two areas, Liberman was involved with many communities in the orient. Constant references to his friend and acquaintances and his political comments might be a negative factor for some readers, but one cannot help but admire his contribution.