Why are the Chinese so Interested in the Jews? Prof. Xu Xin

This lecture will present an analysis of Chinese knowledge about and attitudes toward the Jewish people in the 20th century. Most Chinese are fascinated by the Jews and how they survived, were revived, and have achieved so much in modern times even though they have been persecuted throughout the ages. The image of the Jews in the Chinese mind serves as an “other,” which remains a mirror and model for the Chinese to judge or construct themselves as they consider paths of modernization that maintain tradition. This lecture will take place at the Center for East Asian Studies conference room (Room 319).