Outside a hospital in China’s Junan County stands a 4-meter statue – not of Mao Zedong, Hu Jintao, or Xi Jinping, but of an Ashkenazi Jewish doctor from Vienna who became a hero in China. His story is a remarkable one, and was the cause of a special ceremony in Israel this week.
In the halls of the Chaim Herzog Museum of the Jewish Soldier in World War II, an extraordinary story of international friendship and wartime heroism unfolded on Wednesday, as Chinese Ambassador to Israel Xiao Junzheng joined museum officials to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory in World War II.
At the center of their tribute stood the remarkable legacy of Dr. Jakob Rosenfeld, an Austrian Jewish physician who fled Nazi persecution only to become one of the most revered foreign members of the Chinese Communist Party and a general in the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.
The timing of this commemoration holds profound significance, as China prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of its victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
On September 3, China’s President Xi Jinping is set to deliver an important speech and inspect troops in Beijing. Yet in Jerusalem, the focus remained on one man’s extraordinary journey from a comfortable medical practice in Shanghai to the front lines of China’s resistance movement.
“The Chinese people will never forget the invaluable support and solidarity extended by peace-loving nations and people, international organizations, and all anti-fascist forces,” Xiao explained to The Jerusalem Post during an exclusive sit-down. “Among these heroes, Dr. Jakob Rosenfeld holds a place of particular respect.”
Rosenfeld (1903-1952) was an Austrian Jewish physician living in interwar Vienna. Arrested by the Nazis in 1938, he was incarcerated for one year before agreeing to surrender all his possessions and managing to flee to China in 1939 with a lifesaving visa issued by the Chinese Consulate-General in Vienna. Like tens of thousands of other Jewish refugees, Rosenfeld found sanctuary in Chinese cities, even as China itself was at war.
Rosenfeld opened a successful practice in urology, gynecology, and obstetrics in Shanghai soon after he arrived in 1939. However, his past interest in socialism quickly led him to a Marxist reading group led by a fellow Austrian Jew and communist sympathizer. What happened next would transform Rosenfeld’s life and also cement his place in Chinese revolutionary history.
“As a skilled physician, he established a clinic in Shanghai and quickly gained a reputation as a leading expert, enjoying a comfortable and affluent life,” Xiao recounted. “Yet, he was a man of profound vision and conviction. Witnessing the atrocities committed by the Japanese and inspired by the resilience of the Chinese people, he made the courageous decision to abandon his comfortable life in Shanghai for the front lines.”
The “Big-Nose Divine Doctor”
In April of 1939, Rosenfeld left Shanghai and joined the Chinese Communist New Fourth Army as medical personnel. While serving in Shandong Province, he was introduced to General Chen Yi, who was so impressed with Rosenfeld’s devotion, often without regard for his own safety, that he would later recommend the Austrian doctor for special membership in the Communist Party.
The decision to leave his lucrative Shanghai practice for the harsh realities of guerrilla warfare in rural China speaks volumes about Rosenfeld’s character.
“He chose to join the anti-Japanese forces of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which consistently upheld the banner of nationwide resistance and served as the pillar of China’s campaign,” Xiao emphasized. “He endured immense hardship, serving in base areas plagued by shortages of food and clothing.”
He became a member of the CPC in 1942 and received the equivalent to the rank of general in the Chinese army – one of the only foreigners to do so.
Rosenfeld acted as a surgeon for wounded soldiers, often performing surgery in a small boat. Due to the severe shortage of doctors, he founded the Huazhong Medical School, which trained the medical professionals desperately needed by the revolutionary forces.
From 1941 to 1949, Rosenfeld’s dedication was legendary. “He was on call day and night, always available for emergencies,” Xiao noted. “His dedication earned him the affectionate nickname ‘Big-Nose Divine Doctor’ among the people. In one famous instance, he saved a member of an art troupe who had been in a coma for 21 days from typhoid fever, rescuing her just as she was about to be placed in a coffin.”
Sometimes, Rosenfeld had to perform dozens of surgeries in a single day. His working conditions were rather poor at the time, but he didn’t complain about such matters, demonstrating the same resilience and commitment that earned him deep respect among both Chinese soldiers and civilians.
Rosenfeld’s contributions to China, however, extended far beyond individual patient care. His vision and practical ingenuity helped establish the foundation of medical care in Communist-controlled areas during some of the most challenging periods of the war.
“His contributions extended beyond direct care,” Xiao detailed. “He personally designed a battlefield hospital with 100 rooms, which the locals proudly named ‘Rosenfeld Hospital.’
He also founded a medical school that trained a generation of medical professionals. His ingenuity was remarkable; decades before technologies like Israel’s ReWalk exoskeleton, he used simple twigs to demonstrate to his students how to immobilize injured limbs.”
This innovative approach to medical training under severe resource constraints exemplified Rosenfeld’s ability to adapt European medical knowledge to Chinese wartime conditions, creating lasting improvements in battlefield medicine and medical education that would benefit China long after the war’s end.
PERHAPS NO relationship better illustrates Rosenfeld’s integration into the Chinese revolutionary leadership than his friendship with Marshal Chen Yi, who would later serve as China’s foreign minister from 1958 to 1972. This relationship, marked by both professional respect and personal affection, reveals much about Rosenfeld’s character and values.
“Dr. Rosenfeld also forged profound and legendary friendships with Chinese revolutionary leaders,” Xiao recounted. “He was a close friend of Marshal Chen Yi, who later became China’s foreign minister. It was Chen Yi, among others, who recommended Dr. Rosenfeld for special CPC membership. When Chen Yi’s eldest son was born, Dr. Rosenfeld was the attending physician.”
The story that follows provides a glimpse into Rosenfeld’s personal values and cultural background.
“Chen Yi, away at the front, was absent for the birth,” according the ambassador. “As a Jew who deeply valued family and respected mothers, Dr. Rosenfeld was deeply dissatisfied, believing that a man who does not love his wife is not a good man. This later prompted a personal apology from Chen Yi.”
The child delivered by Rosenfeld was Chen Haosu, who later became president of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. Now 83, Chen Haosu has never forgotten his connection to the Austrian doctor.
“Upon learning of this event, he personally inscribed a plaque in honor of Dr. Rosenfeld, which I have handed over to the Museum of the Jewish Soldier in World War II,” Xiao revealed. “He is closely following proceedings and has requested photos and clips from the event.”
MEMORIALIZED BY his Chinese name General Luo Sheng Te, Rosenfeld was one of the most respected foreign members of the early Communist Party, even stretching into the 21st century. After the war and the Chinese Communist victory, Rosenfeld made his way to Israel, where he had family living, before his death in 1952.
The continuing reverence for Rosenfeld in China reflects something deeper than historical curiosity. The Chinese Communists loved Rosenfeld like a brother and continue to venerate him and treasure his memory. To this very day, the late Jewish doctor is a symbol of the friendship between China and Israel, as well as the friendship between China and Austria.
“Though Dr. Rosenfeld passed away 73 years ago, his legacy continues to be cherished by the Chinese people,” Xiao emphasized during the commemoration. “Dr. Rosenfeld’s profound affection for the Chinese people remains a treasured part of the friendship between China and Israel and between the Chinese and Jewish people. It will continue to inspire us to work tirelessly for an even brighter future in China-Israel relations.”
Dr. Menashe Rosenfeld, nephew of Jakob Rosenfeld, concurred with the ambassador, telling the Post, “A nation that doesn’t know its history has an unclear future. China has a civilization of 5,000 years. Seeing how the Chinese admire and honor their heroes should inspire the younger generation to learn about individuals who voluntarily leave their comfort zones to fight.
“The Chinese opened a gate for people to escape the Holocaust legally. We have a great deal to learn from them.”
THE CHOICE of venue for this commemoration carries particular significance. The Chaim Herzog Museum of the Jewish Soldier in World War II serves as a repository for stories that have long remained untold in Jewish collective memory of the war.
The museum presents many of the incredible stories of the one-and-a-half-million Jewish men and women who enlisted to fight on various fronts across the globe during World War II. Stories, which, according to the museum, have not yet been told in their entirety.
Zvika Kan-Tor, CEO of the museum, emphasized the contemporary relevance of these historical narratives.
“Today we commemorate the legacy of Dr. Rosenfeld, a courageous doctor and soldier, who is honored here in the museum,” he told those gathered. “His unique and meaningful story is one among the one-and-a-half million stories of Jewish men and women fighters that continue to inspire us to this day. Every visit to the museum reminds us that Jewish history in World War II is not only about historical dates, but also about personal stories of courage and sacrifice.”
Xiao expressed strong support for the museum’s mission and suggested expanding cooperation.
“We highly appreciate the efforts of the museum,” he stated. “We are willing to promote cooperation between the Museum of the Jewish Soldier in World War II and museums related to Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, to further enrich the exhibitions of Dr. Rosenfeld.”
THE COMMEMORATION also provided Xiao with an opportunity to address what he sees as historical oversights in how World War II is remembered, particularly regarding China’s role in the global conflict.
“The Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was the longest, largest, and most costly national liberation struggle in modern Chinese history against foreign aggression,” he explained. “For a long time, influenced by Eurocentric historical narratives, some have focused primarily on the European battlefield of World War II, overlooking China’s role and significance as the main battlefield in the East.”
World War II began at several different times, depending on the country and viewpoint. In Europe, September 1 and the German invasion of Poland are cited as the first day of the conflict.
Russians consider it June 1941, with Operation Barbarossa and the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union. For Americans, December 7, 1941, remains the day of infamy when they were finally drawn into the conflict after Pearl Harbor.
For the Chinese, however, there are two possible dates. The year 1937 is often cited as the beginning of the main Japanese invasion of China, but Japan had invaded the eastern province of Manchuria in 1931, leading to a 14-year struggle to free China from the Japanese grip.
The statistics Xiao cited underscore the scale of Chinese sacrifice: “Throughout the 14-year struggle, the Chinese people finally achieved the full victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, suffering over 35 million casualties.”
THE DISCUSSION of Rosenfeld’s legacy and his reception by the Chinese led the ambassador to discuss historical memory and contemporary challenges. Xiao drew explicit connections between past and present concerns about the resurgence of extremist ideologies.
“Any rhetoric or action that whitewashes the crimes of militarists and fascists is an offense to human conscience and international fairness and justice,” he told the Post. “We must remain vigilant for the resurgence of militarism and fascism, and stand unequivocally against any rhetoric or action that distorts history and even glorifies militarism and Nazism.”
When asked specifically about contemporary manifestations of fascist glorification, the ambassador provided a detailed analysis of the underlying dangers: “The words and acts that glorify fascism and Nazism, in essence, attempt to deny and distort history, obfuscate facts, and whitewash the crimes of militarists and fascists. It is not only about misunderstanding history. It reflects a certain hidden current that deserves vigilance.”
He outlined three specific concerns: “First, repackaging extreme nationalism, violence, and provoking confrontation under historical nihilism. Second, seeking legitimacy for policies on xenophobia, racism, and aggressive expansionism to achieve hegemony and power politics. Third, creating core narratives, inciting public opinions, and subverting the postwar international order for the resurgence of fascism and Nazism.”
The continuing China-Israel friendship
The ceremony was also an opportunity to celebrate the strong bond in China-Israel relations, and Xiao emphasized their historical foundation while pointing toward future cooperation.
“The China-Israel and Chinese-Jewish friendship has deep historical roots,” he explained. “It comes from friendly exchanges between the two great nations throughout history, especially from our help and support to each other at times of disasters and tragedies. When Jewish people in Europe were driven into despair by ravaging antisemitism, the compassionate Chinese people opened their arms and provided shelter to tens of thousands of Jews in Chinese cities such as Harbin, Shanghai, Tianjin, and Hong Kong.”
The relationship continues to strengthen in contemporary times. “There is no soil for antisemitism in China, nor would the Chinese government allow it to exist or develop in the country,” Xiao stated firmly.
He cited recent examples of growing ties: “At the World Games 2025 in Chengdu, which concluded recently, Israeli athletes won six gold medals and ranked 13th in the overall medal table. In the first seven months of 2025, the number of Israeli visa applications to China increased by over 40% year-on-year.”
Over half a century since his death, the incredible story of Jakob Rosenfeld offers a model for international cooperation that transcends cultural, racial, and ideological boundaries.
Two civilizations coming together, along with Rosenfeld’s willingness to sacrifice personal comfort for a cause he believed in, his ability to bridge different cultures while maintaining his own identity, and his lasting impact on both Chinese and Jewish history, reflect the difference one person can make by standing for universal values.
“Many in Israel are unfamiliar with stories in the main eastern battlefield of the World Anti-Fascist War, while Dr. Rosenfeld serves as the epitome of the Jews participating in this battlefield,” Xiao noted. “The aim of the event is to contribute to understanding the history of joint struggles [of] the Chinese and Jewish people 80 years ago, and to better carry on the traditional friendship between our two nations.”
The ambassador concluded with a forward-looking vision that draws inspiration from historical cooperation: “Remembering history is not to carry on hatred, but to cherish and safeguard peace through lessons from the past, and look into the future. Countries in the world are interconnected; all humans have a shared future.”