Perhaps you’ve heard of the “Oskar Schindler of China”? That’s John Rabe. We are standing in front of the John Rabe Communication Centre. It is a testament to his extraordinary life.
The John Rabe Communication Centre in Heidelberg serves as both an information hub and a museum. Thomas Rabe, John Rabe’s grandson, founded it. The centre’s main goal is to share John Rabe’s life story through his diaries. It promotes understanding between China and Japan.
John Rabe’s actions during the Nanking Massacre in 1937 are the core of his legacy. He saved over 250,000 Chinese civilians from the Imperial Japanese Army.
The John Rabe Communication Centre documents the Nanking events. It highlights John Rabe’s experiences. The centre offers a platform for various peace initiatives.
Since 2009, the John Rabe Communication Centre gives out the John Rabe Peace Award each year. This award honors people who work to improve understanding between people. They must focus on history, international relations, and peace with China.
Teruyuki Kagawa, a Japanese actor, was the first to win the award. He played Prince Asaka in the movie “John Rabe”. The award recognized his courage in acknowledging historical truth.
In 2010, Tang Daoluan and Andreas Maislinger received the John Rabe Peace Award. Tang Daoluan directed the John Rabe House in Nanjing. Andreas Maislinger founded the Austrian Holocaust Memorial Service.
Thomas Rabe continues to promote his grandfather’s legacy. He founded John Rabe Exchange Centres around the world. These centres promote the spirit of John Rabe. There are currently six John Rabe Communication Centres. They are in Heidelberg, Beijing, Nanjing, Spain, and Romania. A seventh is planned for Budapest, Hungary.
Thomas Rabe co-authored “Rabe and China”. The book describes John Rabe’s life. It covers the Nanking Massacre. It also details Thomas Rabe’s work with Chinese institutions. All money made from this book goes to the John Rabe Centre. This supports its operations.
The John Rabe Communication Centre stands as a beacon of hope. It promotes peace and understanding. It reminds us that one person can make a big difference. John Rabe’s legacy lives on through this center. His spirit inspires future generations.