The accidental discovery in the 17th century of a Jewish community in the city of Kaifeng; and the findings there by Jesuit missionaries; marked the beginning of widespread interest in the subject of Jews in China. In the centuries that followed; Western Sinologists arrived in China and engaged in a variety of investigations. In the 1f980s; however; Sidney Shapiro; a former New York lawyer who has lived half a century in Beijing; felt that "there was a crying need to learn what the Chinese scholars themselves have to say about the history of Jews in China." With that in mind; he compiled the remarkable fruits of research conducted by Chinese social scientists; and edited and translated them into English. Jews in Old China was originally published by Hippocrene Books in 1984 with considerable success. It was then translated into Hebrew and published in Israel in 1987. This newly expanded edition offers a rich exposition; according to the Chinese investigations; on the origins of these Jewish migrants-when and why they came; the routes they followed; where they settled; and descriptions of their religious and social lives under the Hans; the Mongols; and the Manchus. This book provides a wealth of information about the conflicts; contributions; adaptation and ultimate assimilation of the Jews in China. It also introduces; from the Chinese perspective; the Radanites; the great medieval Jewish mercantile traders; who provided an important link between China and the West.
#1336428 in Books Fatah Tarek 2011-12-06 2011-12-06Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.98 x .51 x 5.19l; .60 #File Name: 0771047843272 pagesThe Jew Is Not My Enemy Unveiling the Myths That Fuel Muslim Anti Semitism
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Tarek Fatah's writing is captivating and one can learn a great deal about history and shifting in attitudes over time ...By Windy CityThis is a well researched and thought provoking book. The subject is very sensitive and I am sure it triggers lot of emotions in people of all sorts of cultural backgrounds. Mr. Tarek Fatah's writing is captivating and one can learn a great deal about history and shifting in attitudes over time in many Islamic countries. Based on the history of Islam; Mr. Tarek Fatah has a lot of work cut out for him beyond the "The Jew is Not My Enemy." Since Islam has problems with pretty much everyone; books like "Hindu is not my enemy"; "Christian is not my enemy"; "Sikh is not my enemy"; "Budddhist is not my enemy"; "Jain is not my enemy"; "Pagans are not my enemy"; "Shia is not my enemy"; and even "Cows are not my enemy" are expected in the near future. Mr. Tarek Fatah has just opened up a Pandora's box; and I will look forward for more of his exciting books. Thank you once again for writing this book. You are a courageous and fearless writer; and I love to watch your interviews on youtube.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. An excelllent book!By Joyce M.Tarek Fatah presents an unbiased view of the situation in Israel/Palestine and debunks many myths. It is extremely well written and holds the reader's attention the entire time. Much history which all of us need to know to dispell prejudices on both sides.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Excellent bookBy AussieSunnyA very informative read. Highly recommend it! Please make it available in Audible as well. Can't wait for Tarek's next book about Jinnah; founder of Pakistan.