The Image of Jews in Contemporary China: An Identity Without a People

Bookstores in Chinese cities are stocked with dozens of Chinese-language books on how Jews conduct business, manage the world, and raise their children. At least ten universities throughout China offer popular Jewish Studies programmes, some with advanced degrees. Yet there are virtually no Jews in China. The Chinese are constructing an identity for a people that the large majority of them will never meet. This edited volume critically examines the image of Jews from the contemporary perspective of ordinary Chinese citizens. It includes chapters on Chinese Jewish Studies programmes, popular Chinese books and blogs about Jews, China’s relations with Israel, and innovative examinations of the ancient Jewish community of Kaifeng.

Contributors: Moshe Y. Bernstein, She Gangzheng, James Ross, Glenn Timmermans, Xu Xin, Zhou Xun, Chen Yiyi, Fu Youde, Meng Zhenhua, Song Lihong, Zhong Zhiqing