Bridge 422 in Amsterdam South has a new name: the Jeroen Oerlemans Bridge. Exactly six years ago, Oerlemans, a renowned war photographer, was shot dead in Libya. On Sunday afternoon, Mayor Halsema, in the presence of friends and relatives, officially gave the bridge its name.
Just before the unveiling, Halsema reflected on the importance of the work that Oerlemans and other journalists do. “Oerlemans himself said: ‘curiosity always wins out over fear.’ Curiosity and courage, I add emphatically.”
Unveiling Jeroen Oerlemansbrug – NH Nieuws
Because Oerlemans knew the dangers. In 2012, he was kidnapped in Syria and shot while trying to escape. He survived, and after his liberation he returned to Amsterdam. Never again, he promised his family.
sparring
But the quiet jobs turned out not to suit him, and he soon wanted to return to the conflict zones and hotbeds. His best buddy, Joeri Boom, accompanied him countless times as a journalist. And war or not, there was often plenty to laugh about, he says. “In Uruzgan I interviewed a sports minister, who was also a boxer. I was ready, but Jeroen tapped him on the shoulder and took a boxing pose. The two of them were there sparring a game. Really great.”
“This was our bridge. The Beatrix Park was our backyard. And now his name is on it – forever. That’s very beautiful.”
In 2016, Oerlemans is in Libya when a sniper hits him. Most likely he died instantly. Exactly six years later, friends and family come together on ‘his’ bridge. “Great that this bridge will now bear its name,” says Boom. He sees the bridge as a monument to Oerlemans. “I live in Oost but am often in this neighborhood, I am godfather to his children.”
The choice for the bridge over the Boerenwetering is no coincidence: it is within walking distance of the house where Oerlemans lived. His children and his wife, Boes Hogewind, still live there. “This was our bridge,” explains Hogewind. “The Beatrix Park was our backyard. And now his name is on it – forever. So that’s very nice.”
Memories
His children are also proud of their father. “It’s quite an honor,” says 15-year-old Yves. “This bridge means so much to us. You could play ice hockey in the swimming pool in Beatrix Park, we always did that together. I always have to think about that when I cycle across the bridge.”
And that sense of pride predominates. Fortunately, says Boes. “Yes, I am very happy with all those happy faces today. I didn’t want a second funeral. Jeroen has brought us a lot of joy. His soul and happiness lay in his work, but also with us, at home and with his children. I will return with great happiness and pleasure.”
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