On July 27, District Party Chief Li Qian met with Bai Lewei, Israeli Consul General in Shanghai and his entourage at the former site of the Lester School and Henry Lester Institute of Technical Education.
Li Qian embraced the Consul General and his entourage. He said that during World War II, Jewish refugees who sought refuge in Hongkou and the people of Hongkou cared for each other and formed a deep friendship. In 2009, Hongkou established friendly inter-regional relations with Haim District in Haifa City, Israel. Over the years, the development of Hongkou has also received the care and support of people from all walks of life in Israel. Based on the main position of Shanghai's central radiation, Hongkou is building the North Bund of Shanghai and the Golden Triangle of Huangpu River, to become a window for the world to see China. Israel is recognized as a technological powerhouse in the world, and its technological innovation experience is worth learning for Hongkou. The prospects for cooperation between the two sides are broad. Hongkou looked forward to establishing more long-term cooperation platforms and mechanisms between the two sides, and further strengthening cooperation in technology and industry fields. Besides, based on the continuation of friendly inter-regional relations, Hongkou would jointly explore new models of cooperation and exchange in personnel exchanges, economic and trade reciprocity, cultural exchanges, and other aspects, and promote exchanges and cooperation between the two sides to a new level.
Bai Lewei stated that during World War II, more than 20,000 European Jewish refugees arrived in Shanghai after a long journey of escape and settled in Hongkou. They helped local residents in need and forged deep friendships. This period of history is a model for the Chinese and Jewish people to jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind. Hongkou has always been committed to preserving and disseminating this history, and the renovation and expansion of the Shanghai Jewish Refugee Memorial Hall has become an important link for exchanges between China and Israel. All previous Israeli Consuls General in Shanghai attach great importance to exchanges and cooperation with Hongkou. The Israeli consulate will continue to play a bridging role and promote friendly exchanges and cooperation between the two sides in multiple levels and fields. More Hongkou delegations are welcomed to Israel for inspection and visits. The consulate will provide full support and assistance to enhance the friendship between the two regions and work together for win-win development.
Zhou Rong, Standing Member of the CPC District Committee and Deputy District Governor, and Hong Yitan, Deputy Consul General of Israel in Shanghai, attended the meeting.