Today we remember Klaartje van der Woude-de Vries, born on June 22, 1878, in Groningen, Netherlands. She was a member of the Dutch Jewish community.
1. Life in the Netherlands
Klaartje lived in Groningen, a city known for its university and history of tolerance. She lived through World War I and the economic challenges of the 1930s. In May 1940, the Netherlands was occupied during World War II, and the lives of Dutch Jewish citizens changed dramatically.
2. Westerbork Transit Camp
From 1942, Dutch Jews were required to register and were later transported to Westerbork. This was a transit camp where families were held before being sent to other camps in Eastern Europe. Klaartje arrived at Westerbork in 1943.
3. Deportation in September 1943
In September 1943, at the age of 65, Klaartje was placed on a transport from Westerbork to the Auschwitz camp complex in occupied Poland. Historical records from Yad Vashem and the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum confirm that upon arrival, she was among those who did not survive.
4. Preserving Her Memory
For many years, individual stories were lost in the scale of World War II. Today, through the work of memorial institutions like Yad Vashem, the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, we can restore names and histories.
We know her name: Klaartje van der Woude-de Vries.
We know she was born: June 22, 1878, Groningen.
We know she was a person who lived, loved, and was part of a community.
5. The Importance of Remembrance
Remembering individual lives is an act of historical preservation. It helps future generations understand the importance of tolerance, human dignity, and peace. Each name represents a life, a family, and a story that deserves to be known.
We remember Klaartje van der Woude-de Vries. We honor the memory of all who were lost.
Lest we forget.
Sources: Yad Vashem Central Database of Shoah Victims’ Names, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum.