For Thomas, his household delight and inspiration had been deeply rooted in his grandfather’s deeds. To honor this legacy, his ebook, “Rabe and China”, was printed earlier this 12 months, documenting 4 generations of his household’s connection to China over 116 years. All royalties from the ebook are donated to humanitarian tasks.
BERLIN, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) — Thomas Rabe, grandson of John Rabe, has devoted his life to preserving and selling the extraordinary humanitarian legacy of his grandfather — a person remembered because the “hero of Nanjing” for his position in defending civilians through the Nanjing Massacre.
“Through my efforts, I want to ensure that the Rabe family’s humanitarian spirit continues to inspire people worldwide,” Thomas advised Xinhua throughout a current interview.
LEGACY OF COMPASSION, COURAGE
During the Nanjing Massacre in 1937, one of the crucial barbaric episodes of World War II, John Rabe, a then consultant of Siemens within the war-ravaged Chinese metropolis Nanjing, arrange a world security zone with different foreigners, and saved the lives of round 250,000 Chinese folks between 1937 and 1938 from Japanese invaders.
“Despite his poor health as a diabetic needing daily insulin, my grandfather chose to stay,” stated Thomas Rabe, “His own home and garden, along with the nearby German school, sheltered 650 people. His actions exemplified humanitarianism, courage, and friendship, which earned him lasting admiration.”
John Rabe’s diaries stay one of the crucial complete historic data of the atrocity. In 2016 and 2017, Thomas donated the unique manuscripts of his grandfather’s 10 Nanjing diaries to the National Archives Administration of China.
For Thomas, his household delight and inspiration had been deeply rooted in his grandfather’s deeds. To honor this legacy, his ebook, “Rabe and China”, was printed earlier this 12 months, documenting 4 generations of his household’s connection to China over 116 years. All royalties from the ebook are donated to humanitarian tasks.
“I would be delighted if many new readers would engage with the history of this book,” he stated, “so that my grandfather’s humanitarian spirit, his understanding of morality and leadership, and his desire for peace can be passed on.”
INDELIBLE MEMORY
In 2002, Thomas and his spouse established the primary John Rabe Communication Center in Heidelberg, Germany. Six facilities have since been arrange worldwide. “These centers serve as educational hubs and symbols of peace,” stated Thomas.
The Heidelberg middle encompasses a museum showcasing replicas of John Rabe’s Nanjing diaries and historic data, providing guests a glimpse into his story. In Romania, two facilities deal with offering humanitarian help to orphans and underserved rural communities. The Spain middle has made efforts to translate John’s story for Spanish-speaking audiences and arrange worldwide medical conferences to foster cross-cultural understanding.
China hosts two John Rabe communication facilities — the John Rabe and International Safety Zone Memorial Hall in Nanjing and a analysis and trade middle in Beijing.
“I have proposed creating a replica of the John Rabe House in Beijing,” Thomas stated, “This would mirror the one in Nanjing, providing an impactful way to educate Chinese and international audiences about John Rabe’s humanitarian efforts.”
He additionally envisions a wider world attain for Rabe’s story. A 4-episode documentary sequence with fiction parts titled “John Rabe — The Light in the Darkness” is completed as a prototype, aiming to place John’s life on display and spotlight his excellent contribution.
“The series aims to inspire viewers with the complete life of John Rabe and the story of courage and humanity of my grandfather during a time of unspeakable horrors,” he stated, including that the venture remains to be in the hunt for a producer.
Also, a toy set that includes John Rabe as the principle character, together with a small booklet “John Rabe tells stories about his time in China for Chinese children,” is below dialogue, he stated.
FOR GENERATIONS TO COME
Thomas’s endeavor extends far past preserving the reminiscence of his grandfather. As a 73-year-old professor emeritus of gynecology and obstetrics at Heidelberg University Hospital, Thomas has additionally made vital contributions to drugs.
In 2013, Thomas joined the worldwide staff of specialists at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, sharing over 40 years of medical experience along with his Chinese friends.
Over the years, he has labored alongside Ruan Xiangyan and different medical doctors to advance China-German cooperation in gynecological endocrinology and reproductive drugs. He has additionally helped make substantial progress in scientific follow, educating, analysis, and coaching of his skilled fields in China.
His new proposal is the Virtual Academy of Medicine, an AI-powered platform that provides free, multilingual medical coaching to professionals and college students all over the world.
“This innovative program reflects the Rabe family’s ongoing commitment to serving humanity in practical and impactful ways,” he stated.
According to Thomas, he and professors of Beijing Union University, the place a John Rabe Communication Center was established, are planning numerous future actions akin to publications and conferences.
Looking into the long run, Thomas stays unwavering in his mission to protect and share his grandfather’s legacy.
“I’m still working hard to ensure that the bravery and humanity of my grandfather to be a guiding light for future generations,” he added.