By Alexander Dworkowitz
A group of Queens Jewish, Chinese and political leaders took a two-week trip to China to honor a Jewish museum and make connections between New York’s and China’s business communities.
State Assemblyman Brian McLaughlin (D-Flushing), City University of New York trustee Jeffrey Wiesenfeld, American Jewish Congress President Michael Nussbaum and CUNY trustee and developer Wellington Chen toured Shanghai, Dalian and Beijing.
The group presented a plaque to the Shanghai Jewish Museum thanking the Chinese government.
During World War II, China allowed thousands of Jews fleeing from Nazis to take refuge in the country.
“I was touched,” said Chen, who had been discussing the possibility of the tour last year with Wiesenfeld. “It touches our common core, our humanity. It’s the right thing to do.”
McLaughlin said he planned to introduce legislation recommending that public schools put more of a focus on the role of the Chinese saving Jewish lives.
“World War II had many heroes, but the Chinese contribution has gone largely unnoticed and under appreciated,” he said.
In Shanghai, the group visited the city’s building dedicated to city planning. The building contains plans for the city’s future in 20 years, Chen said.
Chen said McLaughlin was impressed with the rapid development of Shanghai, which has built 500 skyscrapers over the last decade.
“His eyes popped out and his jaw dropped,” Chen said.
Chen added the group was hoping to forge economic ties with nations such as China to encourage investment in the city after the destruction of Sept. 11.
McLaughlin said he wanted such investment to focus on Flushing.
“The mission’s top priority is to welcome investors into our Flushing community.”
Reach reporter Alexander Dworkowitz by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or call 229-0300 Ext. 141.
