News Release
Kamloops, British Columbia —— As the world observes International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27th, Chinese Students & Scholars Association at Thompson Rivers University stands in solidarity with the global community to honor the memory of the millions who suffered during one of the darkest periods in human history.
This day marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the notorious Nazi concentration and extermination camp. International Holocaust Remembrance Day serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust, emphasizing the importance of collective remembrance, education, and the pursuit of justice to prevent such horrors from happening again.
This year, CSSA also aims to shed light on another tragic chapter in history – the Rape of Nanking, which occurred during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945). The brutal massacre carried out by the Imperial Japanese Army in Nanking (now Nanjing), China, resulted in the loss of countless lives and widespread human rights violations.
Victims three hundred thousands
The Nanking Massacre, also known as the Rape of Nanking, occurred during the Second Sino-Japanese War from December 1937 to January 1938, when the Imperial Japanese Army captured the city of Nanking (now Nanjing), which was then the capital of the Republic of China. The events that unfolded in Nanking are widely regarded as one of the most brutal episodes of mass violence and human rights abuses in modern history.
During the occupation of Nanking, Japanese forces engaged in widespread looting, arson, rape, and mass killings of Chinese civilians and disarmed soldiers. It is estimated that approximately 300,000 Chinese civilians were killed.
The Nanking Massacre left an indelible mark on the collective memory of the Chinese people, and it remains a sensitive and significant historical event. The Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall in Nanjing serves as a solemn reminder of the tragedy, housing historical documents, photographs, and artifacts to commemorate the victims and educate visitors about the horrors that transpired during that period.
Chinese National Memorial Day, also known as the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Day, is observed annually on December 13th. On this day, the Chinese people remember the victims of the Nanking Massacre and reflect on the importance of peace, justice, and human rights. The day serves as a platform for promoting historical awareness, fostering international understanding, and advocating for the prevention of such atrocities in the future. Commemorative events, ceremonies, and educational initiatives take place across China to honor the memory of those who suffered during the Nanking Massacre.
To honor the memory of the victims and to promote awareness about both the Holocaust and the Rape of Nanking, CSSA encourages individuals to check out the following websites:
- The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum provides extensive resources on the Holocaust.
- The Memorial Hall of The Victims in Nanjing Massacre offers valuable insights into the events in Nanking.
By remembering and learning from history, we can collectively strive for a world that rejects hatred, discrimination, and violence. Let International Holocaust Remembrance Day be a catalyst for fostering empathy, understanding, and a commitment to building a more just and tolerant future.