History of the Jews in Taiwan

The presence of Jews in Taiwan can be traced back to the mid-20th century when a small number of Jewish individuals and families arrived on the island. Most Jewish immigrants came to Taiwan for business and professional opportunities, attracted by the growing economic development and trade possibilities in the region.

One significant influx of Jewish immigrants occurred during the Chinese Civil War (1945-1949) and the subsequent establishment of the People's Republic of China under communist rule. Many Jewish businessmen, who had previously settled in Shanghai and other parts of China, sought refuge in Taiwan to escape political uncertainties and to safeguard their livelihoods.[2]

As Taiwan experienced rapid industrialization and economic growth in the latter half of the 20th century, it attracted a larger number of Jewish entrepreneurs, professionals, and academics. These individuals played a role in various sectors of Taiwanese society, contributing to its development in fields such as technology, medicine, finance, and education.

Despite their relatively small numbers, the Jewish community in Taiwan has fostered a close-knit community with various institutions and organizations that cater to their religious, cultural, and social needs. These institutions have helped promote Jewish identity and facilitate connections among the community members.

Renowned Jewish physicist George Zweig teaching at National Taiwan University.

The Jewish community in Taiwan has actively engaged in interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange with the broader Taiwanese society. The community has participated in interfaith events, fostering mutual understanding and respect among different religious groups in Taiwan.[2]

Moreover, Taiwanese society has shown an increasing interest in Jewish culture, history, and traditions. Jewish festivals such as Hanukkah and Passover have gained recognition and are occasionally celebrated by Taiwanese individuals and organizations. Jewish cultural events, including art exhibitions, film screenings, and lectures, have also been organized to promote cross-cultural exchange and appreciation.[13]

Holocaust remembrance in Taiwan

Chelujan Church (車路墘基督教會), site of the Taiwan Holocaust Museum.

In 2002 a Holocaust Museum was opened in Bao'an, Rende Township, Tainan County (now part of Tainan City).[15] It was founded by Chou Chou An (Chinese: 卓枝安; pinyin: Zhuó Zhī'ān), a Taiwanese priest who follows Messianic Judaism, considered by many Christians and Jews to be a form of Christianity. Chou Chou An received his religious education in Japan. The Kyoto Holocaust Museum has donated several artefacts to the Holocaust Museum in Tainan.

In 2021 an International Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony in Taipei was attended by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen. The event was organized by the Israel Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei, the German Institute Taipei, and the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy.[16]

As of 2023 the Jewish community in Taiwan has grown to number more than 2000, according to the Chabad of Taiwan. The Jewish population of Taiwan is expected to grow, and is one of the fastest-growing Jewish populations in the world on a per-capita growth basis, as in 2016 the community numbered approximately 800, with 650 of those residing in Taipei, representing a 225% increase in the Jewish population of Taiwan in the 7 years between 2016 and 2023.[2][17]

Several individuals of Jewish heritage have made significant contributions to various fields in Taiwan. Among them is Dr. David Blondheim, a renowned pediatrician who established the first neonatal intensive care unit in Taiwan and played a crucial role in advancing neonatal medicine in the country. Taiwan has a small but notable Jewish community, whose members have made significant contributions to various fields and have played important roles in the country's development. While the Jewish population in Taiwan is relatively small compared to other communities, their impact is noteworthy. Here are a few notable Taiwanese Jews:

• Rabbi Ephraim Einhorn: Rabbi Ephraim Einhorn is a prominent figure in Taiwan's Jewish community. He has been serving as the spiritual leader of Taipei's Jewish community for many years and has played a crucial role in fostering Jewish life on the island. Rabbi Einhorn has been instrumental in organizing religious services, community events, and educational programs for both locals and expatriates living in Taiwan.
• Rabbi Cody R. Bahir, Ph.D.: Rabbi Cody R. Bahir, Ph.D. is the current Rabbi of the Taiwanese Jewish Community. Originally from Kentucky in the United States, he studied in Hasidic Yeshivot affiliated with Bobov and Sanz-Klausenburg before serving as faculty at both the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies and Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles, CA. Rabbi Bahir first moved to Taiwan in 2011 to conduct fieldwork at various monasteries affiliated with Chinese Esoteric Buddhism as part of his doctoral research at Leiden University. After completing his Ph.D. in 2017, he returned to America to work at the University of California, Berkeley as a Post-doctoral Scholar of Chinese Buddhism. After receiving rabbinic ordination, he returned to Taiwan in 2023.
• Ambassador David Friedman: David Friedman, an American lawyer and diplomat, served as the United States Ambassador to Israel from 2017 to 2021. While not a native Taiwanese, he has made notable contributions to the strong relationship between Taiwan and Israel during his tenure. Ambassador Friedman actively supported increased economic and diplomatic ties between the two nations, recognizing the potential for collaboration in technology, trade, and innovation.
• Leonard Liang Cheng: Leonard Liang Cheng is a Taiwanese businessman of Jewish descent who has made substantial contributions to Taiwan's business landscape. As the chairman of CTBC Bank, one of Taiwan's largest financial institutions, Cheng has played a crucial role in shaping the country's banking industry. He has also been involved in philanthropic activities, supporting various charitable causes in Taiwan.
• Silvia Farberov: Silvia Farberov is an accomplished pianist and music educator based in Taiwan. Born in Uzbekistan to a Jewish family, Farberov moved to Taiwan in the early 2000s. She has since become a respected figure in Taiwan's classical music scene, performing in prestigious venues and teaching piano to aspiring musicians. Farberov's contributions to music education have been recognized, and she has been invited to serve as a judge in numerous piano competitions.

These are just a few examples of notable Taiwanese Jews who have left their mark in various fields. Despite their small numbers, Taiwanese Jews have made significant contributions to the country's culture, economy, and society, highlighting the diversity and richness of Taiwan's multicultural fabric.

• Ephraim Einhorn

• Taiwan Jewish Community Website
• Taiwan Jewish Community Facebook Page
• Instagram of Rabbi Cody R. Bahir of the Taiwan Jewish Community
• Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community Center of Taiwan
• Taiwan Holocaust Museum
• Chabad Taiwan