Rabe: Passing on Legacy of Humanity Diligently

John Rabe (1882-1950), remembered as the "hero of Nanjing," a German whose courage and compassion in protecting civilians from the Japanese during World War II's Nanjing Massacre in 1937, left an indelible mark on the lives of many during one of the 20th century's darkest periods.

His efforts during this tumultuous time exemplified humanitarianism and laid the foundation for a legacy of selflessness that would be carried forward by future generations of the Rabe family. Through his actions, John Rabe instilled a commitment to preserving and nurturing life, a torch that would be later taken up by his grandson, Thomas Rabe, a 73-year-old professor emeritus of gynecology and obstetrics at Heidelberg University Hospital.

Thomas Rabe, who has built a distinguished career in the medical field, recently spoke to Science and Technology Daily, sharing his thoughts on humanitarian lessons learned from his grandfather's legacy.

Rejuvenating the Rabe spirit

John Rabe's efforts in the Nanjing Safety Zone during the war-ravaged period, became an example of moral courage in the face of overwhelming violence. As the chairman of the International Committee for the Nanjing Safety Zone, Rabe protected thousands of Chinese civilians from the brutalities of Japanese soldiers, often at great personal risk.

"From my grandfather, I learned the importance of morality and responsibility. One should not act from personal interest but with a spirit of responsibility towards others," Thomas Rabe said, adding that his legacy of leadership and humanitarianism becomes even more important today.

In 2005, Thomas Rabe and his wife founded the first John Rabe Communication Center in Heidelberg, Germany, dedicated to promoting international cooperation and exchanges.

According to Thomas Rabe, there are currently six Rabe Communication Centers around the world. These centers act as both memorials and platforms for ongoing global dialogues, hosting exhibitions, preserving historical archives, and nurturing continued collaboration across borders.

Rabe and China: a historical tribute

Earlier this year, Thomas Rabe published the book Rabe and China, which further cements the family's ongoing relationship with China. The book draws heavily on the diaries of John Rabe and other family documents, which are considered invaluable historical sources for understanding the Nanjing Massacre.

Thomas Rabe explained the significance of the book: The purpose of publishing Rabe and China is to pass on the international humanitarian spirit behind my grandfather's story.

"I would be delighted if many new readers would engage with the history of this book," he noted, adding that, "So that my grandfather's humanitarian spirit, his understanding of morality and leadership, and his desire for peace can be passed on." He believes in leading by example, demonstrating how to build relationships, foster understanding, and work together despite differences. "Theoretical knowledge is important, but the most important thing is to set an example," he said. "This is vital for promoting peace and understanding between nations."

Thomas Rabe's son, now learning Chinese, represents the fourth generation of the Rabe family to engage deeply with China.

Passing the torch

After learning about his grandfather's story, he found a renewed and deeper sense of purpose in life.

He continues to make significant contributions to the field of reproductive medicine. "Healing the body is important, but so is advocating for peace," Thomas Rabe said.

Over the past 30 years, he has worked in Germany's leading medical institutions, training doctors from all over the world in gynecological endocrinology and reproductive medicine. His work has helped advance the field internationally.

He has also played a crucial role in fostering cooperation between German and Chinese medical institutions. "In 2001, I visited China for the first time and began medical exchanges with hospitals in Nanjing, Wuhan, Shanghai and Beijing," he recalled.

His collaboration with institutions such as the Capital Medical University and the Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital has led to groundbreaking projects like China's first ovarian tissue cryopreservation bank. Together, they have published four books on gynecological endocrinology in Chinese.

He believes that there is immense potential for cooperation between the two cultures in the field of medical science. "China has a long history of traditional medicine that is largely unknown in the West. I am deeply impressed by its strength and potential," he said.

Looking to the future, Thomas Rabe has big plans for enhancing the relationship between China and Germany in the medical field, which includes collaborating with global health organizations such as the WHO, and international medical societies to create consensus on how to address issues related to women's health.

Source: Science and Technology Daily