On Nov. 23, 2016, the celebration of the 10th anniversary of “Nanjing University John Rabe and International Safety Zone Memorial Hall” (“John Rabe Memorial Hall”) was held. Representatives from Nanjing Municipal Government, Nanjing University, German Consulate General in Shanghai and the donors for “the Development Fund for John Rabe and International Safey Zone Memorial Hall and John Rabe International Research and Exchange Center for Peace and Reconciliation” (“John Rabe Development Fund”) along with other invited guests attended the ceremony. 

For BYC, Dr. Uwe Kirchgäßner, President of the Company, said that John Rabe's sense of responsibility, his courage and willingness to take care of others and his distinct humanity make him a great role model. He also hopes that this institution helps to broaden the knowledge of Rabe’s deeds, in particular amongst the young generation which is shaping our future. Then it can support a better intercultural understanding and humanistic mindset which is nowadays more important than ever. 

For the purpose of forming the former residence of John Rabe as an international cultural exchange platform and to enlarge its education function and social value, the Agreement on the Second Extension of “John Rabe Development Fund” was signed as well. As one of the donors, the Company committed itself to support the operation of “John Rabe Memorial Hall” in the next five years. 

About “John Rabe Memorial Hall” and “John Rabe Development Fund” 

No.1 Xiaofenqiao, Guangzhou Road, Nanjing was where Mr. John Rabe, representative of the German Siemens China Co. in Nanjing, resided from 1932 to 1938. Since Nanjing fell into the hands of the Japanese troops, this house became one of the 25 refugee camps in the Nanjing Safety Zone. Of the 250,000 refugees who flooded into the Zone to seek shelter, over 600 had been protected by this single house from Japanese persecution. To commemorate John Rabe, with the support of Nanjing Municipal Government, Nanjing University began to repair the former residence of John Rabe from 1997. On Oct. 31, 2006, “John Rabe Memorial Hall” was officially open to public. In 2007, the Propaganda Department of Nanjing Municipal Party Committee, Nanjing University, German Consulate General in Shanghai, Siemens Ltd. China, BSH Home Appliances Holding (China) Co. Ltd. and BASF-YPC Co. Ltd. jointly established the “John Rabe Development Fund” to pay the cost of the daily operation of “John Rabe Memorial Hall”. The first extension agreement of “John Rabe Development Fund” was signed in 2012.