The refugees stay in Japan lasted much longer than their brief transit visas had initially allowed for, with the imperial government allowing them to remain for several months. Though some refugees made it to the United States or other countries, most had nowhere to go. With the Japanese government commencing the operational planning for Pearl Harbor, they wished to rid the country of all foreign elements, and the refugee community was unceremoniously deported to Shanghai, China, under Japanese occupation, where they’d remain throughout the war.
Many refugees were assisted by Professor Setsuzo Kotsuji, who later converted to Judaism. Others were assisted by the Polish ambassador to Japan Tadeusz Romer. The Jewish rescue activist Zorach Warhaftig continued to be active on behalf of the refugee community as well. The Dutch national Nathan Gutwirth was able to rescue a ship of 74 refugees who were missing documentation, by requesting assistance from the Dutch consul in Kobe, Japan, Nicolaas de Voogd. De Voogd provided the desperate refugees with Curacao visas, enabling them to arrive in Japan.
Cross River, a leading financial institution committed to supporting its communities, is proud to sponsor Jewish History Soundbites. As a trusted partner for individuals and businesses, Cross River understands the importance of preserving and celebrating our heritage. By sponsoring this podcast, they demonstrate their unwavering dedication to enriching the lives of the communities in which they serve. Visit Cross River at https://www.crossriver.com/
Subscribe to Jewish History Soundbites Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ or your favorite podcast platform
Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites
For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history or feedback contact Yehuda at: yehuda@yehudageberer.com
United We Split: The Leadership of Rav Yosef Tzvi Dushinsky
The Royals & The Jews
On the Cusp of Modernity: The Noda B’yehuda
A Light in the Darkness: Rav Levi Yitzchak Schneerson
1897: A Year of Transition
The Working Group & its Desperate Rescue Attempts
From Young Rosh Yeshiva to Senior Sage: Rav Isser Zalman Meltzer Part II
From Slabodka to Slutzk: Rav Isser Zalman Meltzer Part I
Jewish Saviors of the Holocaust Part III: The Sobibor Revolt
Jewish Saviors of the Holocaust Part II: From a Tunnel in Novogrudok to the Bielski Partisans
Growth & Consolidation: The Lev Simcha
Jewish Saviors of the Holocaust Part I: Monsieur & the Belgian Orphans
An Enlightened Song: The Story of Shir
Captain from Kovno: Rav Yitzchak Elchanan Spektor
Frum Politics: Rav Yehoshua of Belz, Rav Shimon Sofer & Machzikei Hadas
Shavuos Musings & Uri Zohar Tribute
A Chassid in Krakow: The Maor Veshemesh
Shylock & Friends: The Jews of Venice
Hungarian Royalty: The Chasam Sofer & His Family
Get it? The Strange Story of the ’Get of Cleves’
Join Podbean Ads Marketplace and connect with engaged listeners.
Advertise Today
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Hello Heaven Podcast
Rav Gershon Ribner
The Nightingale of Iran
Unpacking Israeli History
Abundant Ever After with Cathy Heller
For Heaven’s Sake