Adam Daniel Mezei asks via Twitter:
What’s your read on the connections between Chinese and Jews. Beyond obvious factors, what do you think our connections are?
After wondering aloud if I could answer that in 140 characters, I though about it and gave him this precis of an answer.
I think Chinese and Jews look each other in the eye and see something comforting and familiar. It comes not necessarily from a shared set of values, but of common experience: each is the ancient and seminal culture of a civilization, has endured unspeakable hardship/persecution, and each has emerged from the crucible of history with great depth beneath the hardened exterior shared by all survivors.
Therein, I believe, lies the heart of the mutual respect and admiration – and in my household affection – between the two great cultures.
Thoughts?
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