In China, only five religions are officially recognised by the state and Judaism is not one of them. The eastern city of Kaifeng is home to a tiny Jewish community that dates back a thousand years. But in recent months, local authorities have erased all traces of their existence and heritage. The Kaifeng Jews are forced to practice their religion in secret and some have even left the country.The Forward reported last month:
Police have shut down the only Jewish learning center in Kaifeng, helmed by the Israeli activist group Shavei Israel, say activists. A well that community members identify as their historic mikveh, for ritual Jewish bathing, was reportedly blocked. Foreign Jewish tour groups are said to have been barred from entering the city. And community members are allegedly being monitored and questioned.You can read about the history of this community here.
(h/t Yoel)