A lecture, “Israel Epstein: The One Who Tolls the Bell of Truth,” was held April 10 in the Fifth Teaching Building at Tsinghua University, sponsored by the Tsinghua Epstein Center for Global Media and Communication at TSJC.

Aihuang Huanbi, wife of Israel Epstein, and Mark Levine, a visiting professor at Minzu University of China, spoke about Epstein, who was a writer, journalist and supporter of Chinese Communism. The lecture was hosted by Professor Anbin Shi.

Aihuang Huanbi introduced herself as “the comrade of Epstein.” She described Epstein from the perspective of a revolutionary comrade, praising her husband.

Epstein regarded his lifelong fight for the Chinese revolutionary cause as the best decision made his life,” his widow said.

She displayed Epstein’s interview notes and transcripts. The audience was able to see the elegant writing on mottled papers, representing Epstein’s earnest attitude towards journalism.

Aihuang Huanbi underscored Epstein’s three journalism norms: “be honest, stay earnest and remain thoroughly informed of readers.”

Mark Levine recounted Epstein’s life story. He was born in a Jewish family with a firm faith in Marxism, and moved to China after some twists and turns in his life. Influenced by the spirit of Chinese revolutionists, he determined to devote himself to the cause of Chinese Communism.

A prolific writer, Epstein published The People’s War, History Should Not be Forgotten, My China Eye, From Opium War to Liberation and Woman in World History: Soong Ching Ling, along with other writings. He maintained a lifelong friendship with Soong Ching Ling, the wife of Sun Yat Sen, and American journalist Edgar Snow. He was also received warmly by Chinese national leaders, including Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zeming and Hu Jintao Along with his vivid description of Epstein. Prof. Levine showed historical pictures.

A reading area for the books donated by Epstein was established on the fourth floor of the Humanities and Social Science Library at Tsinghua. A research center for global media and communication, called the Epstein Center, was also established at TSJC.

“It is an important mission for us to inherit and develop Epstein’s norms of global communication,” said Professor Shi.

After the lecture, students in the audience spoke with Aihuang Huanbi and Professor Levine about Epstein’s life and journalism ideals.

(By Jingjing Qian, Liangjie Men, Dieer Liao)

Aihuang Huanbi was introducing Israel Epstein to students.

Mark Levine recounted Epstein’s life story.