On August 15, marking the 80th anniversary of Japan's announcement of unconditional surrender in World War II, the exhibition My Neighbour John Rabe opened at Yu Garden in Hamburg. The event was organised by The Diaries of John Rabe and the City of Peace team from Nanjing University. Among the guests were Cong Wu, Consul General of the Consulate-General of China in Hamburg, and Christopher Reinhardt, great-grandson of John Rabe, alongside representatives from both Germany and China.
Group photo at the "My Neighbour John Rabe" exhibition
Consul General Cong paid tribute to Rabe's humanitarian acts during the Nanjing Massacre, noting the importance of hosting the exhibition at such a significant historical moment. "In this great struggle between justice and evil, countless international friends stepped forward, and John Rabe remains among the most unforgettable of them," said Cong. He emphasised that remembrance is not only about history, but also about carrying forward the spirit of peace and friendship.
Speech by Cong Wu, Consul General of the Consulate-General of China in Hamburg
John Rabe, then head of Siemens' office in Nanjing, is remembered for helping to establish the Nanjing Safety Zone in 1937, which sheltered some 250,000 civilians. His detailed diary remains an essential record of the atrocities of that period and a vital testimony to the Nanjing Massacre.
In his speech, Christopher Reinhardt thanked the team for their efforts to keep his great-grandfather's legacy alive, highlighting how such cross-cultural initiatives foster greater understanding and friendship between Germany and China.
Speech by Christopher Reinhardt, great-grandson of John Rabe
Dr. Peter Kreutzberger and Liu Guosheng, chairmen of the Federation of German-Chinese Friendship Associations, also attended and praised the exhibition for its historical and contemporary value.
Speech by Dr. Peter Kreutzberger, Chairman of the German-Chinese Friendship Association
Speech by Liu Guosheng, Chairman of the German-Chinese Friendship Association
The exhibition combines historical documents, videos, original illustrated works, and digital media innovations to tell Rabe's story in engaging ways.
Highlights included digital media projects made by young members of the team, including a bilingual video Dialogues with Rabe, picture book John Rabe, AI-colorized archival photos and an interactive AI-powered conversation experience with Rabe .
Screening of the bilingual video Dialogues with Rabe
Team members explain the exhibition panels to guests
Professor Chen Min, head of the Department of German at Nanjing University and advisor to the student team, noted that the exhibition offers a fresh perspective through the eyes of young people, using creative approaches to introduce Rabe's humanitarian spirit to a wider audience. "Memory, connection, friendship, gratitude, and peace," she said, "are at the heart of this exhibition."
Speech by Professor Chen Min, team advisor
The closing words of the exhibition capture its essence: "In every moment when conscience is clouded, choose responsibility. In every corner where suffering spreads, extend a helping hand."
Source and photos: Nanjing University
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