Tonight we commemorated the victims of the Second World War everywhere in Drenthe. In Zuidlaren the commemoration started at the synagogue, one of the few in our province. And there they notice, 81 years after the war, that interest in the commemoration is only increasing.
“What I have seen in recent years is that more people are coming, more families and also young people. So I expect that to continue,” says Lex van der Star, chairman of the Progressive Jewish Community of Northern Netherlands (PJGNN). “That does me good too.”
The entire Jewish community in Zuidlaren was deported and murdered during the Second World War. The youngest resident was only ten years old. Their names are on a plaque on the side of the synagogue.
Despite the growing interest, the Jewish community is also being forced to think about security due to increasing anti-Semitism. Also in the organization of local commemorations, such as those in Zuidlaren. “That is certainly the case. You are also obliged to do so as a board. We have good contact with the local police officer when there are meetings,” says Van der Star.
“On King’s Day, large concrete blocks are also placed to make locations safer. Nowadays you always have to take this into account. That is no different here.”
