The Eisfelder family of four and other relatives were very soon aware of the dangers Nazi racism would inflict on Jewish people. After several attempts for visas, they were among the earlier refugees to Shanghai. A US relative helped them establish Café Louis, soon well-known for their German and Viennese bakery goods, employing the whole family and several Chinese. They mastered the next big hurdle, a forced move into an impoverished quarter. Horst, still a youth formed lifelong friendships that lasted across time and oceans.
https://www.avotaynu.com/books/ChineseExile.htm
https://doi.org/10.1080/03087298.1999.10443344
Kufsteiner Str 3
10825 Berlin
Germany
Horst (b. November 14, 1925) was the second son of Louis (b. May 12, 1893) and Hedwig Eisfelder (b. April 8, 1893). Erwin was born on April 18, 1923. The family lived in Berlin until their escape. The Eisfelder parents tried to emigrate right after Hitler came to power but could not get visas for several years. Finally, in October 1938, Horst with his parents and older brother Erwin, and a cousin, uncle, and aunt traveled from Berlin to Triest to sail to Shanghai, the only large open port worldwide without visa requirements at the time. Jewish refugees were only allowed to take bare necessities or trade tools plus 10 Marks per person.
25 Dong Changzhi Rd
(formerly known as Ward Road or later as Changyang Rd)
Hong Kou Qu
Shanghai
Shang Hai Shi, 200082
China
It is not known if this 2nd (Hongkou) café location was also the residence. The location today is the Tilanqiao Metro Station - and this eastern continuation of 'Changyang Rd' is now 'East' (Dong) Changzhi Rd)
The only way to start a new business was with a loan from Shanghai Jewish businessmen and philanthropists – or family who lived abroad. The very successful British Jewish traders Sassoon and Kadoorie donated considerable funds and housing to support the International Jewish Aid organizations in settling the arriving refugees in dorms, soup kitchens, schools, and more.
Within three months and with the support of US family, the Eisfelders opened Café Louis in the French Concession. It was soon known for Fine European cakes. Horst went to the English Jewish school. The friendship with his classmate, Michael Blumenthal would last a lifetime.
In 1943 the Japanese ‘Proclamation’ forced all 'Stateless Refugees after 1937' (a euphemism for Jewish refugees) to relocate café and living spaces to Hongkew, a quarter semi-destroyed in the recent Sino-Japanese war – and rebuilt in parts into a ‘Little Berlin’ or ‘Little Vienna’ by their fellow refugees. The café was mostly run by the parents, brother Erwin, and other family.
Horst loved photography and started an apprenticeship in 1944. He documented life in Shanghai with his camera, an eyewitness account present in several museums and archives – and the basis of many talks later in life.
Melbourne
Melbourne Victoria 3000
Australia
Next Station: Peace of Mind in Melbourne, 1947 - 2023
After the war, the family looked for an opportunity to emigrate and moved to Australia in 1947. Horst would live in Melbourne his whole life. He married Greta, another Berlin refugee. They had two sons, Rodney & Kevin, and 4 grandchildren.
Horst Eisfelder was very active in keeping the history of Jewish refugees in Shanghai alive, gave many talks, and published a memoir: ‘Chinese Exile’ (see photo) The links in the chapter above lead to interviews and talks – such as the SHOAH Foundation 1996 and the Jewish Museum Berlin Talk with Michael Blumenthal, the Founding Director Emeritus and former Secretary of Finance under President Carter in 2006.
The Berlin Schöneberg permanent exhibition ‘Wir waren Nachbarn’ commemorates his story along with other German Jews who lived in that quarter. My gratitude goes to the curator Frau Dr. Ladwig-Winters and Helmut Jerabek for their friendly permission to use the childhood photos and biographical information of the Eisfelder family.
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