Honoring a Hero: Nanjing University Memorializes John Rabe in Berlin

On a poignant Saturday in Berlin, a team from China’s Nanjing University held a heartfelt memorial event at the tombstone of John Rabe, a German businessman whose heroic actions during the Nanjing Massacre of World War II saved hundreds of thousands of Chinese lives. The event, organized by the “Diaries of John Rabe and the City of Peace” scientific investigation team from Nanjing University, served as a solemn reminder of the atrocities of the past and a call for a peaceful future.

Joining the commemorative gathering was Christoph Reinhardt, the great-grandson of John Rabe. His presence highlighted the enduring legacy of Rabe’s courage and humanity. In his remarks, Reinhardt emphasized the importance of remembering history to prevent its repetition. “To forget history is to risk its repetition while commemorating allows us to remember the past and build a peaceful future together,” he stated, underscoring the need for honesty in the China-Japan relationship.

John Rabe, often referred to as the “Oskar Schindler of China,” was a Siemens representative in Nanjing during the Japanese invasion in 1937. Using his status and influence, Rabe established the Nanjing Safety Zone, which provided refuge for over 200,000 Chinese civilians amid the brutal massacre that claimed the lives of an estimated 300,000 people. His diaries, which meticulously documented the horrors he witnessed, remain one of the most authentic records of the Nanjing Massacre.

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Reinhardt’s reflection on his great-grandfather’s legacy was deeply moving. “The diary of Rabe is one of the most authentic records of the Nanjing Massacre,” he noted, stressing the importance of these historical documents in fostering mutual understanding and reconciliation.

The memorial event not only paid tribute to John Rabe’s selfless actions but also served as a reminder of the need for ongoing dialogue and reconciliation between China and Japan. The attendees, including students and scholars from Nanjing University, reflected on the significance of Rabe’s legacy in contemporary times.

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In commemorating John Rabe, the event highlighted the vital role of historical memory in shaping a more just and peaceful world. As nations strive to learn from the past, the story of John Rabe stands as a testament to the power of individual courage and compassion in the face of overwhelming adversity. The memorial at his tombstone in Berlin is a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of his humanitarian efforts and the importance of remembering and honoring those who have stood up for justice and humanity.