Laily UPN
By TianXuefei and Zhou Huiying in Harbin | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2017-12-11 16:45
A compelling video capturing an Israeli national’s profound appreciation for Harbin, the capital of Northeast China’s Heilongjiang province, recently garnered widespread attention across various online platforms, highlighting a unique chapter in cross-cultural relations. The viral content features Yoav Vollansky, a prominent we-media producer specializing in fostering cultural communication between China and Israel, as he navigates the city’s streets, engaging strangers with warm embraces and heartfelt expressions of gratitude, all delivered in fluent Dongbeihua, or Northeastern Mandarin. This gesture symbolizes his deep affection for Harbin and serves as a poignant reminder of the city’s historical significance to the Jewish people.
Vollansky, who relocated from Israel to China seven years prior to the video’s production, embarked on this specific project in September 2017. His primary objective was to illuminate the historical ties between Harbin and the Jewish community, a narrative he believes remains largely unknown to younger generations in his home country. "As I know, 90 years ago, there were many Jews who lived in Harbin and built a life here. While in other places around the world Jews had suffered discrimination and violence, the Chinese people have always accepted us and treated us as equals," Vollansky articulated, explaining the core motivation behind his endeavor. "I went to shoot a video that conveys this information as well as to personally thank and show my appreciation for that. In my country, some young people know little about the history. Therefore, I also hope my video can help more of them know about the city, which had been the homes of our older generations."
Harbin: A Sanctuary for the Jewish Diaspora
The historical roots of Jewish settlement in Harbin trace back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period marked by significant geopolitical shifts and economic opportunities in the region. The construction of the Chinese Eastern Railway (CER) by Imperial Russia, which connected Siberia with Vladivostok and traversed through Manchuria, transformed Harbin into a bustling railway hub and a burgeoning international city. This development attracted a diverse influx of immigrants, including a substantial number of Jews from the Russian Empire. Many were fleeing the widespread anti-Semitism, pogroms, and restrictive "Pale of Settlement" policies prevalent in Tsarist Russia. The promise of religious freedom, economic prosperity, and a more tolerant environment drew thousands to this nascent city on the Songhua River.
By the 1920s and 1930s, Harbin had blossomed into one of the largest and most vibrant Jewish communities in the Far East, often referred to as "the Paris of the East" due to its cosmopolitan atmosphere and European architectural influences. At its zenith, the Jewish population in Harbin was estimated to be between 20,000 and 25,000, although some estimates suggest numbers potentially reached higher. This community established a comprehensive infrastructure, including synagogues (the Old Synagogue, built in 1907, and the New Synagogue, completed in 1924, being prominent examples), schools, hospitals, welfare organizations, cultural clubs, and even Jewish newspapers. They played a pivotal role in the city’s economic development, contributing significantly to commerce, finance, medicine, and the arts. Their businesses ranged from fur trading and timber to banking and import-export, fueling Harbin’s growth into a major commercial center in Northeast Asia.
What made Harbin particularly unique was the prevailing atmosphere of acceptance and lack of institutionalized discrimination. Unlike many parts of Europe and Russia where Jewish communities faced systemic persecution, the local Chinese population and authorities in Harbin largely welcomed and coexisted peacefully with their Jewish neighbors. This historical narrative of tolerance and mutual respect is a cornerstone of the special connection many Jewish individuals, like Vollansky, feel towards the city. This period stands as a testament to Harbin’s unique position as a haven during tumultuous times, offering refuge and a chance to rebuild lives free from the pervasive anti-Semitism that plagued other parts of the world.
The Jewish community in Harbin began to decline after the 1930s due to various factors, including the Japanese occupation of Manchuria, the onset of World War II, and later, the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, which prompted many to immigrate. Despite their departure, the legacy of the Harbin Jewish community endures, preserved in historical archives, architectural landmarks, and the collective memory of their descendants worldwide. Efforts are continuously made by both Chinese and international organizations to research, document, and commemorate this rich heritage, ensuring that the story of Harbin as a sanctuary is not forgotten.
The Power of Dongbeihua and Cultural Immersion
Vollansky’s decision to learn and speak Dongbeihua for his video was a deliberate and impactful choice, resonating deeply with local residents. Prior to his visit, he sought assistance from friends originating from Northeast China to grasp the nuances of the dialect. "To be honest, I didn’t know much of it before I came to Harbin, but I was always curious about it. I love Chinese dialects in general because they carry an interesting flavor that doesn’t always exist in Putonghua," he explained. "I always heard that Dongbeihua has lots of characteristics, and only when I started learning it I had a bit of a feel to it."
Dongbeihua is renowned for its distinct phonology, vocabulary, and often humorous expressions, setting it apart from standard Mandarin (Putonghua). For a foreigner to embrace and speak it fluently is not only a testament to linguistic dedication but also a profound act of cultural immersion and respect. It immediately breaks down barriers, fostering a sense of familiarity and connection with locals that standard Mandarin might not achieve. This linguistic bridge allowed Vollansky to connect with Harbin’s citizens on a more personal and authentic level, amplifying the sincerity of his message of gratitude. His ability to speak the local dialect not only surprised but also delighted the strangers he met, transforming simple hugs into moments of genuine cross-cultural understanding and warmth.
Vollansky’s Journey: From First Visit to Viral Sensation
Vollansky’s initial encounter with Harbin dates back to 2015, two years before the production of his widely acclaimed video. He vividly recalls that first winter visit: "It was in the winter, so I had an opportunity to enjoy the famous Ice and Snow Festival and of course the pleasure of eating a popsicle in -20 C." This early experience clearly left a lasting impression, fueling his interest in the city beyond its iconic winter attractions. His subsequent return in 2017 was not merely for tourism but for a mission-driven project, leveraging his skills as a we-media producer to bridge historical understanding and contemporary cultural exchange.
The video, which circulated widely across Chinese social media platforms like Weibo and WeChat, quickly became a talking point. Its candid depiction of a foreign visitor, not only embracing locals but also speaking their regional dialect and expressing gratitude for a century-old legacy of tolerance, struck a powerful chord. Online comments reflected a mixture of surprise, admiration, and pride among Chinese netizens, many of whom expressed warmth towards Vollansky and a renewed appreciation for Harbin’s historical role. The content underscored the power of individual initiative in cultural diplomacy, demonstrating how personal connections can illuminate broader historical narratives and foster mutual respect.
Broader Implications and Reactions
Vollansky’s initiative extends beyond a single viral video; it represents a micro-level effort contributing to macro-level cultural diplomacy between China and Israel. Both nations have seen growing ties in recent decades, spanning economic, technological, and cultural domains. Projects like Vollansky’s serve to deepen these connections by unearthing shared histories and fostering people-to-people understanding.
- Official Response (Inferred): Local Harbin authorities, particularly those involved in tourism and cultural heritage, would undoubtedly view such positive international attention as a significant boon. The video effectively promotes Harbin as a city with a rich, tolerant history and a welcoming populace, aligning with efforts to attract international visitors and investment. Official statements, if issued, would likely commend Vollansky’s efforts and reiterate Harbin’s commitment to cultural exchange and historical preservation.
- Historical and Jewish Community Response (Inferred): Historians and leaders within the global Jewish community would likely laud Vollansky’s work for its role in preserving and disseminating the lesser-known but vital history of Jewish life in Harbin. Such efforts are crucial for intergenerational memory transfer and for educating a global audience about periods of harmonious coexistence. The video would be seen as a valuable tool for outreach and education, particularly among younger generations who may be less familiar with this unique historical chapter.
- Public Reception in China and Israel: In China, the video’s positive reception underscores a national pride in its history of hospitality and tolerance, especially during times when other nations were less welcoming. It reinforces a narrative of China as a welcoming and open society. In Israel, it would likely foster a sense of gratitude and historical connection, reminding people of the unique refuge their ancestors found in a distant land. It also highlights the enduring goodwill that can exist between different cultures.
The Enduring Legacy of Harbin’s Jewish Heritage
Today, the legacy of Harbin’s Jewish community is carefully preserved through various initiatives. The former New Synagogue has been meticulously restored and converted into the Harbin Jewish Culture History Museum, offering visitors a comprehensive insight into the community’s life, contributions, and eventual dispersal. Other architectural remnants, such as the old Jewish hospital and former residences, stand as silent witnesses to a vibrant past. These sites serve not only as memorials but also as educational centers, ensuring that the history of tolerance and coexistence remains a living narrative. Academic research and cultural exchange programs continue to explore and celebrate this unique historical intersection, underscoring its relevance in contemporary discussions about multiculturalism and global understanding.
Vollansky’s video is a contemporary extension of this ongoing effort. By bringing this history to a modern, digital audience through an engaging and personal narrative, he contributes significantly to the preservation of cultural memory and the strengthening of cross-cultural ties. His hope to "help more of them know about the city" is clearly being realized, sparking curiosity and fostering a deeper appreciation for the intricate tapestry of human history.
As Vollansky expressed to China Daily, his linguistic journey with Dongbeihua is far from over. "Hopefully I could learn more Donbeihua in the future. If anyone is willing to teach me, I’ll be happy to invite them to coffee here in Beijing," he stated, demonstrating his continued commitment to cultural immersion. This open invitation encapsulates the spirit of his entire project: a bridge-builder, eager to learn, connect, and share, reinforcing the special and enduring connection between an Israeli and the historic city of Harbin. His efforts underscore the profound impact individuals can have in fostering mutual respect and understanding across borders, reminding us that history, when shared and celebrated, continues to shape our present and future relationships.
Layla Zulfa
Reynand Wu
