On the morning of June 25, the Zijin Cao International Peace School hosted a themed educational program at the Memorial Hall. A group of young people from around the world visited the Memorial Hall, immersing themselves in history and deepening their appreciation of peace through empathy that transcended national boundaries.

The participants first laid flowers before the statue of Iris Chang, author of The Rape of Nanking: The Forgotten Holocaust of World War II, in tribute to the Chinese American writer who brought the truth of the Nanjing Massacre to the attention of the Western world. Then, 12 youth representatives rang the Bell of Peace, honoring the deceased and expressing the shared commitment to remember history and cherish peace.

Entering the Nanjing Massacre Exhibit, the participants were deeply moved by the extensive historical records and firsthand testimonies of survivors. Jessica Barborka, who is studying in the United Kingdom, admitted that she had known very little about this chapter of history before her visit. “The Memorial Hall is solemn and dignified, and every part of it is heartbreaking. I can hardly imagine that such cruelty ever took place,” she said.

Katie Bolland-Munro, who is pursuing a master’s degree in illustration, said that as a portrait artist she naturally empathizes with the stories of ordinary people. “Looking into the faces of the victims and listening to their real experiences, I felt the immense suffering they endured as well as the resilience of the survivors. I will certainly share what I have learned when I return home.”

Yasmin, from Indonesia, said the visit had given her a much deeper understanding of Nanjing. Katie added, “This visit has given me an even greater sense of respect, understanding, and empathy—not only for Nanjing, but for China as a whole.” This dialogue across national boundaries allowed the seeds of peace to take root in the hearts of even more young people.