Jakob Rosenfeld

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Jacob Rosenfeld

Jakob Rosenfeld (1903 – 1952), also known as General Luo, was an Austrian physician and a major general in the Chinese People's Liberation Army during the Chinese Civil War. His life story is a remarkable tale of courage, humanitarian service, and international solidarity, bridging the worlds of Europe and China during a tumultuous period in the 20th century.

Early Life and Education

Jakob Rosenfeld was born in Lemberg, Austro-Hungarian Empire (now Lviv, Ukraine) into a Jewish family. He pursued his medical studies in Vienna, becoming a qualified physician. His early career was marked by a commitment to medicine and a burgeoning interest in political and social issues of the time.

Escape to China

With the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany in 1938 and the subsequent persecution of Jews, Rosenfeld's life took a dramatic turn. He was imprisoned in the Dachau and Buchenwald concentration camps before managing to escape to Shanghai, which was then home to a large community of Jewish refugees. It was in Shanghai where Rosenfeld's path would lead him to an unexpected role in Chinese history.

Service in the Chinese Civil War

In 1941, Rosenfeld joined the New Fourth Army, a communist guerrilla force fighting against Japanese occupation and later against the Nationalist government in the Chinese Civil War. His medical skills were desperately needed, and he quickly became an integral part of the communist forces, serving as a doctor and eventually rising to the rank of major general in the People's Liberation Army. His contributions were not limited to medical care; Rosenfeld also played a role in the training and organization of medical services within the PLA.

Legacy

Jakob Rosenfeld's legacy is multifaceted. In China, he is remembered as a hero and a symbol of the international support for the Chinese communist movement. His story is taught in schools and has been the subject of books and films, highlighting his contributions to China's revolutionary history and his humanitarian efforts.

In Austria and Israel, Rosenfeld is celebrated as a figure of resistance against Nazism and a reminder of the complex histories connecting Europeans and Chinese in the 20th century. Memorials and exhibitions have been dedicated to his life and work, ensuring that his remarkable story continues to inspire future generations.

Death and Memorials

Rosenfeld died in 1952 in Beijing, China. His grave and memorials in China and Austria serve as a testament to his contributions and the deep respect he earned from the people he served.

See Also

• Chinese Civil War
• People's Liberation Army
• Jewish refugees in Shanghai