Shanghai refugee book author honored

The book, Exil Shanghai 1938-1947, co-authored by Muehlberger, Georg Armbruester and Michael Kohlstruck, was published in 2000.

"Muehlberger committed herself to the studying and recording of Jewish history in Shanghai, telling the stories of passionate and friendly Chinese people," say the event's organizers. "As a member of the Jewish exiles in Shanghai, she witnessed the darkest moment in the 20th century. When the Jewish exiles had their most difficult period, Chinese people selflessly extended their helping hand. This illustrates the idea of building a community with a shared future for mankind, a value deeply rooted in traditional Chinese culture… from that difficult time to the close ties of today, we have seen the seeds of friendship blooming into flowers of peace."

In 2019, Muehlberger was also awarded the Federal Cross of Merit by the German president because of her outstanding contributions to the preservation of the history of the Holocaust.

There have been debates in the academic world over the narrative about Jewish exiles in China, and the exact number during World War II, says Chen Jian, director of Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum, explaining the importance of the installation of the wall of names. Real people with names that can be tracked down are solid evidence that tells the truth.

Chen was impressed by the extraordinary energy of Muehlberger, and he told the media about the close ties she had with the museum. "Over the years, she has collaborated with the museum, and she is the leading contributor to the list of names inscribed on the wall," he says. "She is keeping on with the work, and the number is still growing."