The success of China's World War II film "Dead to Rights" has reignited interest in the historical figures of the Nanjing Massacre, including John Rabe, a German businessman whose courageous actions saved hundreds of thousands of civilians.
In 1937, when Japanese invaders launched the horrific massacre in Nanjing of east China's Jiangsu Province, Rabe and a group of international friends established an international safety zone and protected 250,000 Chinese people.
His grandson, Thomas Rabe, is dedicated to preserving and honoring that legacy.
"It was the 24th of December, Christmas (Eve). And on the 26th, he wrote, the best Christmas present I got was the life of 650 people who survived in the house of my grandfather," said Dr. Thomas Rabe.
John Rabe kept detailed diaries. In this entry from Dec 16, 1937, three days after Japanese troops entered the city, the horror was already clear.
In the diary, he said they drove along the main road with great caution. There was a danger that they might drive over surrounding hand grenades and be blown into the air. They were heading to Shanghai Road, where dead civilians lay on the ground, and then drove toward the Japanese.
"He said, 'I am responsible for those people and I'm a brave businessman from Hamburg here.' You cannot leave them alone, he was saying. He stayed because he was convinced he was doing the best. And it's Christian love for your neighbor," said the grandson.
John Rabe's actions are still remembered in China. Some survivors even credit their lives directly to him, and Thomas has had the opportunity to meet some of them.
"One lady, over 85 years old, took (my wife in her arms) and said, without your family, we would not be here. And this induces tears in my eyes," Thomas said.
Grandson preserves memory of German hero who saved hundreds during Nanjing Massacre
The organizing committee of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games has unveiled the titles, creative visions, and first talents of the opening and closing ceremonies, as Thursday marked 50 days before the event officially gets underway.
Scheduled from March 6 to 15 across multiple Italian cities, the Games will bring together 665 athletes from 50 countries and regions to compete for 79 gold medals across six sporting disciplines.
The opening ceremony, titled "Life in Motion," will be staged at the historic Arena di Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, presenting a tribute to change and transformation that seeks to redefine disability through a new harmony between people and the environment.
"I paid close attention to the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics, which I consider one of the three or four most beautiful in the history of Olympic ceremonies. This time at the ancient Arena di Verona, we will place greater emphasis on showcasing the human element," the ceremonies' artistic director Alfredo Accatino told a Chinese reporter at the event.
The closing ceremony, themed "Italian Souvenir," will be held on March 15 at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, guiding athletes, volunteers, and fans through a journey that captures the emotions and memories of the Games after days of competition and achievement.
Craig Spence, the International Paralympic Committee's Chief Brand and Communications Officer, believes that Italy will deliver "the best Paralympic Games" following the benchmark set by the Beijing Winter Paralympics in 2022.
"I think what China did in Beijing has really set the benchmark for all future teams competing in the Paralympic Winter Games in terms of performance. That's why I think Milano-Cortina will be the best Paralympic Games we've ever seen for sports," he said.
Milano-Cortina Paralympics reveal opening, closing themes as Games draw near
