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Chinese Leader Sun Yat-sen Expresses Support For Zionism

(April 24, 1920)

Sun Yat-sen was a Chinese statesman, physician, and political philosopher, who served as the provisional first president of the Republic of China and the first leader of the Kuomintang (Nationalist Party of China). He is referred as the “Father of the Nation” in the Republic of China, and as the “Forerunner of the Revolution” in the People’s Republic of China for his instrumental role in the overthrow of the Qing dynasty during the Xinhai Revolution.

On April 24, 1920, he expressed his support for Zionism in the following letter to N.E.B. Ezra, an influential writer and publisher, and founder of the Shanghai Zionist Association.

29 Rue Moliere,
24 April.1920.

 

Mr. N. E. B. Ezra,
Shanghai.

Dear Mr. Ezra:

I have read you [sic] letter and the copy of “Israel’s Messenger” with much interest, and wish to assure you of my sympathy for this movement – which is one of the greatest movements of the present time. All lovers of Democracy cannot help but support whole-heartedly and welcome with enthusiasm the movement to restore your wonderful and historic nation, which has contributed so much to the civilization of the world and which rightfully deserve [sic] an honorable place in the family of nations.

                                     I am,

                                              Yours very truly,

                                                                 [Sun Yat-sen]


Sources: “Sun Yat-sen,” Wikipedia.
Zack Rothbart, “Lost Letter on Zionism from ‘Father of the Chinese Nation’ Surfaces,” theLibrarians, National Library of Israel, (February 10, 2021).

Photo: Public Domain Wikimedia.