KRO-NCRV has made a documentary about the abuses that took place in transit camp Westerbork after the capitulation of the Germans in May 1945. The film War in Westerbork: April-September 1945 can be seen on NPO 2 on Monday 28 March, the broadcaster reports on Monday.
The documentary by director Eric Blom sheds light on the period in which thousands of arrested NSB members and other Dutch nationals suspected of collaboration were imprisoned in camp Westerbork. Hundreds of Jews were still held there, several of whom were assigned as guards. As far as is known, nowhere in the world was a similar situation after the liberation.
On the basis of interviews with former Jewish and NSB prisoners, relatives and experts, Blom examined the dividing line between good and evil in Westerbork that summer. The Jews in the camp, who were unsolicited as guards, were traumatized by the fact that many of their relatives had been murdered in concentration camps. In Westerbork they sometimes came face to face with (presumed) collaborators, who in a number of cases were responsible for arresting and deporting their relatives.
The Camp Westerbork Knowledge Center contributed to the film and made unique archive images available. The Jewish Cultural Quarter also provided advice.