Commemoration of the Nanjing Massacre
Time & Location
Dec 12, 2024, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
CCCGT, 5183 Sheppard Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1B 5Z5, Canada
About
ALPHA Education and Asia Pacific Peace Museum (APPM), Chinese Professionals Association of Canada (CPAC), and Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto (CCCGT) will co-host the Nanjing Massacre Commemoration on Thursday, December 12, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the P.C. Ho Theatre of the CCCGT (5183 Sheppard Ave E, Scarborough).
This event aims to promote public awareness in Canada about the history of World War II in Asia and the devastating impact of war on humanity through a commemoration ceremony and the screening of the award-winning docudrama “Iris Chang: The Rape of Nanking”. This film, planned and produced by ALPHA Education (formerly Toronto ALPHA), premiered in Canada and China on the 70th anniversary of the Nanking Massacre, arousing significant attention within the community. It retells this tragic history through the personal journey of Iris Chang as she shouldered the burden of breaking the historical silence of WWII in Asia. Attendees are invited to reflect on the importance of peace, empathy, respect, and the role individuals can play in fostering harmony in our society.The event is expected to have over 600 community members and representatives from different levels of government. Community members, corporations, and individuals are encouraged to purchase tickets and sponsor the event to help inspire younger generations to engage with history. This will also enhance opportunities for universities, institutions, scholars, and students from around the world to participate in historical research and education projects.
Audience Reviews
"This is a story we must make sure is told in our schools. A young woman Iris Chang opens up the eyes and ears of the world to the horrid massacre that occurred to the Chinese at the hands of the invading Japanese army in 1937."
Gerri Gershon
Former Trustee, Toronto District School Board
"The audience follows the heart-breaking story of Chang's tireless efforts to chronicle the story as a warning for future generations. That Chang herself became one of the last victims of this sad chapter in human history makes it even more important for Western audiences to view this documentary."
Cam Fahlman, M.Ed., English Teacher
Old Scona Academic High
Post-Event Report
ALPHA Education and WongAvery Asia Pacific Peace Museum co-hosted with Chinese Professionals Association of Canada and Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto the 87th Commemoration of the Nanking Massacre on December 12, 2024.
At 7:00 pm in Toronto, 620 Canadians from diverse communities came together in hope and peace to remember the 300,000 victims in Nanking, China who perished in 6 weeks, as of December 13 1937, from indiscriminate, brutal killing by the Imperial Japanese Army.
The program began with the City of Toronto Land Acknowledgement, followed by Canada’s National Anthem, and a 1-minute silence. Dr. Joseph Yu Kai Wong, Chair and Founder of ALPHA Education provided an inspirational opening presentation. Following were presentations by Senator Yuen Pau Woo, Mayor of Toronto Olivia Chow, Federal and Provincial Members of Parliament, Chair of York Region District School Board, and Matthew Ahn, ALPHA Education youth leader.
The fully packed theatre watched in profound silence and inspired interest the screening of the award-winning docudrama, Iris Chang - The Rape of Nanking, planned and produced by ALPHA Education to foster reconciliation, justice, and peace. The film is based on the book published in 1997, The Rape of Nanking: The Forgotten Holocaust of World War II by Iris Chang, a New York Times bestseller.
The vital importance of remembering, learning, and relevance of this essential history for the present and future are captured in the following quotes from two attendees, among many:
“ The event was not only a moving tribute to the victims but also a profound learning experience for all who attended.”
“I was deeply inspired by the history of ALPHA Education’s unwavering dedication to raising public awareness about WWII in Asia. The stories shared during the event, and Iris Chang’s book and film, left a lasting impression on me and undoubtedly many others. These efforts are vital in ensuring the lessons of history continue to resonate with future generations.”
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