預估有一萬八千至最多兩萬的德裔及澳裔猶太難民在上海找到逃避納粹的避難所，而他們當中有許多都花了十年或更多的時間留在這城市。本論文參考了許多資源，並討論了這些難民在異國經歷的困難、貧苦與為了生存的奮鬥、以及他們創造的繁榮社群。他們留下了不只有文化震撼，更是文化交流的鮮明圖像。一些回憶錄展示出對中國文化的敬仰，也記錄了和中國人的友誼。

An estimated 18,000 to 20,000 mostly German and Austrian Jewish refugees found sanctuary from the Nazis in Shanghai and many of them spent a decade or more in this city. Using a variety of sources, this essay discusses the difficulties the refugees experienced in what for them was an alien country, their poverty and struggle to survive, and their creation of a flourishing community. They leave vivid pictures not only of cultural shock, but also of cultural exchange. Some memoirs show great respect for Chinese culture and record friendships with Chinese people.