I like strolling down from Rokin to Amstel, towards Waterlooplein, in Amsterdam. There are just so many distractions to see; interesting shops, monumental buildings, charming bridges, cruise boats cruising on the canals, museums to visit, quick browse through the oldest flea market on Waterloo Square, people watching at cafés, etc.
One of the points of interest that I would normally pass by would be this panoramic spot on the intersection of Amstel and Zwanenburgwal. A prominent site featuring the Joods Verzetmonument or the Jewish Resistance Memorial, which I have often wondered about its tales.
This is the work of a Belgian sculptor Josef Glatt, erected in 1988. It was established in memory of all Jewish resistance fighters who died in World War II. The tall black granite column includes both Hebrew and Dutch engravings.
TER HERINNERING AAN HET VERZET
VAN DE JOODSE BURGERS
GEVALLEN IN 1940-1945
5700 – 5705
When translated:
In memory of the resistance by Jewish citizens, killed in 1940-1945.
The “5700 – 5705” on the marker are the years in the Jewish Calendar corresponding to 1940 – 1945, the years of the German occupation of Amsterdam.
On the side, the text of the prophet Jeremiah laments in Dutch and Hebrew as well: Were my eyes fountains of tears then would I weep day and night for the fallen fighters of my beloved people.
WAREN MIJN OGEN
EEN BRON VAN TRANEN
DAN ZOU IK WENEN,
DAG EN NACHT
OM DE GEVALLEN STRIJDERS
VAN MIJN DIERBAAR VOLK
(NAAR JER. 8,23)
The monument was an initiative of a Jewish former resistance fighter, Bennie Bluhm (1917-1986). During the occupation he formed vigilante groups to protect the neighborhood against the Weather Department (WA), the militia of the NSB.
The foundation, Committee Joods Verzet 1940-1945, established this monument on the day of Bluhm’s funeral.
Joods Verzetmonument | Jewish Resistance Memorial
📍Amstel 1, 1011 PN Amsterdam.
(corner of Amstel and Zwanenburgwal)