Commemorating History: The First Wreath Laying at the Razzia Monument in Rotterdam
Ah, Rotterdam. A city of vibrant culture and a historical timeline that’s more twisted than a pretzel at an Oktoberfest! Earlier today, the city’s Mayor, Carola Schouten, graced the solemn occasion of the first official wreath-laying ceremony at the Razzia Monument, a tribute to a dark chapter in Dutch history during World War II. And if you thought that was just for show, trust me, even the ghosts of history were watching.
Now, as the sun set, we were reminded of the horrific roundup of 1944, when the German occupiers decided they needed a little less testosterone on the streets and violently deported 52,000 men from Rotterdam. Because, you know, what better way to quench your authoritarian thirst than by targeting the men aged 17 to 40? Operation ‘Let’s Ruin Families’ was on, and boy did it deliver. It’s a tragic reminder that some history lessons are painfully relevant, even after all these years.
Mayor Schouten hit the nail on the head, reflecting on the repercussions of such raids. “We reflect on the impact that the largest raid in the Netherlands has had on families and children,” she said. Well, no kidding, Carola! The echoes of that infamous day must still send shivers down spines like a ghost with a grudge. It’s a reminder that even children today carry the weight of history—baggage we can’t just throw away at the airport!
The Raid: A Closer Look
Let’s dive deeper into that grim day: on November 10 and 11, 1944, tens of thousands of men were rounded up like sheep—no, scratch that, sheep have a better exit strategy! German soldiers went street by street, knocking on doors, demanding the men to step out into the open. They were herded towards Feijenoord Stadium like it was some macabre concert. Armed guards ushering them onto a ship bound for Amsterdam, where they’d catch a train that would lead to forced labor in Germany. Talk about a one-way ticket to a nightmare!
But hold on a minute; there’s always that one person who manages to slip through the cracks. Enter Han Thans, a hundred and one-year-old war veteran with all the wit and charm of an old sitcom character! Imagine this: Han, probably only a tad worried about the whole ‘deportation’ thing, performs an impromptu Houdini act at the intersection of Dordtselaan and Strevelsweg. He ducks into a pitch, rings the doorbell and asks to go on the roof! Terrific! This 17-year-old ‘climbing boy’ wasn’t scared; he just fancied a housewarming with friends—who doesn’t love a good roof party?
Despite Han’s nonchalance about the ordeal, he later joined the herd back onto the street. Most men from that roundup didn’t make it back. Out of those who did, over 500 lost their lives. And yet Han took it all with a grain of salt, claiming, “I didn’t have it that bad compared to others.” A classic case of British humor in a time of horror! Today he reflects with age’s wisdom, “At that age, you think differently about it.” My take? Well, there’s nothing like some good dose of youthful ignorance to keep you sane when the world goes crazy.
In closing, Rotterdam’s wreath-laying ceremony serves not only as a stark reminder of the past but hopefully a lesson for the future. History might be a big, scary book, but it’s filled with lessons that go beyond dates and dead people. It’s about humanity, resilience, and the fact that sometimes, you just have to take the leap—like Han did—into survival against all odds. Here’s to remembering, reflecting, and maybe, just maybe, learning a thing or two.
Read more about the commemoration here.
This afternoon, the city of Rotterdam held an emotional ceremony to commemorate the tragic roundup of 1944, an event that saw a staggering 52,000 men forcibly deported by German occupiers during World War II. This year’s commemoration marked a significant milestone, as it was the first time wreaths were laid at the recently unveiled Razzia Monument, located on the picturesque Parkkade. Among those honoring the victims was Mayor Carola Schouten, who played a vital role in the ceremony.
Reflecting on the profound legacy of this dark chapter in history, Mayor Schouten stated, “We reflect on the impact that the largest raid in the Netherlands has had on families and children.” These sentiments, conveyed through the regional broadcaster Rijnmond, speak to the enduring trauma that continues to resonate in the lives of descendants of those affected by the raids.
On the fateful dates of November 10 and 11 in 1944, tens of thousands of men in Rotterdam and Schiedam faced arrest and deportation, leading to the largest raid in the Netherlands during the German occupation.
German soldiers methodically conducted house-to-house searches, rounding up all men aged 17 to 40 indiscriminately. The men were organized into convoys and marched along Strevelsweg to Feijenoord Stadium, after which they were transported by ship to Amsterdam. From there, the majority were sent by train to Germany, where they faced the harrowing reality of forced labor.
Slipped out of line
Among the men who lived to tell their stories is Han Thans, now a remarkable 101 years old. He recounts a narrow escape during that harrowing time: “At the intersection of Dordtselaan and Strevelsweg, I slipped out of the line and shot into a porch. There I rang the doorbell and asked if I could go to the roof.” Ingeniously, he navigated the rooftops to the home of friends, hoping to find refuge through an open window.
However, his desperate request for refuge was met with reluctance. “That was of course not allowed. They had just sent two boys outside themselves. So it is understandable. I immediately went outside again and joined the line of men and boys,” he recalled in an interview with the regional broadcaster.
While many men were fortunate enough to survive their deportation, the grim reality remains that over 500 perished during this ordeal. Thans, now reflecting on his past, acknowledges the weight of his memories but maintains a grounded perspective on his experiences. “At that age you just think differently about it. Now I would have become terribly afraid; at that age, I thought: we’ll see what happens, I went into it fairly open-minded.” Despite the hardships faced as a forced laborer in Germany, he expresses gratitude, stating, “But I didn’t have it that bad compared to others.”
**Interview with Mayor Carola Schouten on the First Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Razzia Monument in Rotterdam**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us, Mayor Schouten. Today marked a significant event in Rotterdam with the first wreath-laying ceremony at the Razzia Monument. What emotions were you feeling as you participated in this solemn celebration?
**Mayor Schouten**: Thank you for having me. It was an emotional day, indeed. Standing before the Razzia Monument, I felt the weight of history and the responsibility we have to remember those who suffered during that dark time. It’s essential to honor the victims and reflect on the lasting impact those events have had on families in our community.
**Editor**: The Razzia of 1944 was a horrific chapter in Dutch history. Can you elaborate on its significance and why it’s essential for us to continue commemorating it?
**Mayor Schouten**: Absolutely. The Razzia was not just a raid; it was a traumatic event that shattered countless lives. Over 52,000 men were taken from their families, leading to immense grief and loss. Commemorating such events serves as a reminder of the fragility of our freedoms and the human cost of conflict. We’re not just honoring the past; we’re also ensuring these lessons resonate with future generations.
**Editor**: Today’s ceremony marks the first of its kind at the Razzia Monument. What do you hope this initiative achieves moving forward?
**Mayor Schouten**: I hope this event fosters a stronger connection between our community and its history. By gathering together in remembrance, we can build awareness and encourage conversations about tolerance and empathy. It’s crucial to learn from the past to prevent similar atrocities from occurring in the future.
**Editor**: It’s inspiring to see the community come together in remembrance. In your speech, you reflected on the ongoing impact of such historical trauma on descendants of the victims. Can you tell us how you envision supporting these families in the years to come?
**Mayor Schouten**: We will continue to promote educational initiatives that highlight this history in our schools and community programs. We also want to create platforms for descendants to share their stories, to ensure that their experiences and emotions are validated and acknowledged. It’s an ongoing conversation that we must maintain to honor their legacy properly.
**Editor**: Lastly, you mentioned the importance of reflection and learning from our history. What message do you want to convey to the younger generations today?
**Mayor Schouten**: My message to the youth is this: Stay curious, ask questions, and never forget to listen to the stories of those who came before you. History can be challenging to learn, but through understanding our past, we cultivate resilience and compassion in our present. The only way forward is to remember and learn, together.
**Editor**: Thank you, Mayor Schouten, for your insights and for leading such an important initiative in Rotterdam’s history. Your commitment to remembrance and education is commendable.
**Mayor Schouten**: Thank you, it’s my honor to serve and to ensure that we never forget the lessons of the past.
