Cecilia van Alphen-Jagtmanbrug

Did Cecilia van Alphen-Jagtman ever imagine that a bridge would bear her name? Here we stand before the Cecilia van Alphen-Jagtmanbrug, a seemingly ordinary bridge connecting Buiksloterdijk and Buikslotermeerdijk. This bridge, officially number 912, holds a story of courage and resilience, mirroring the life of the woman it honors. Cecilia van Alphen-Jagtman, born Cecilia Jagtman in 1910, lived a life intertwined with the history of Amsterdam-Noord. She and her husband, Pieter van Alphen, were active members of the Communist Party and staunch resisters during World War II. Their home at Fresiastraat 12, just a short distance from here, became a haven for those seeking refuge from the Nazi regime. Cecilia, known as “Zielie van Alfen” in the resistance, distributed the illegal newspaper “De Waarheid”, risking her life with every delivery. Imagine her cycling through these streets, her bicycle laden with clandestine papers hidden beneath a seemingly innocent tea towel. While her children played, unaware of the danger surrounding them, Cecilia and her comrade, Frits Israël, typed and stencilled the newspaper in their home, the radio blasting to mask the sounds of their work. They lived with a constant fear of discovery, ready to hide their equipment under the floorboards and the incriminating papers under the divan at a moment’s notice. Pieter’s arrest in 1941, and subsequent deportation to Neuengamme concentration camp, only strengthened Cecilia’s resolve. He endured horrific medical experiments, leaving him physically and mentally scarred. Despite the constant threat, Cecilia continued her resistance work, a testament to her unwavering spirit. The Cecilia van Alphen-Jagtmanbrug, rebuilt in 1970, stands as a tribute to her bravery and the sacrifices made by so many during the war. It serves as a reminder of the quiet heroism that unfolded in the heart of Amsterdam-Noord. Cecilia and Pieter survived the war, but the trauma of those years cast a long shadow. They rarely spoke of their experiences, their silence a testament to the deep wounds left by the war. The Cecilia van Alphen-Jagtmanbrug is more than just a bridge. It’s a symbol of resistance, courage, and the indomitable spirit of Cecilia van Alphen-Jagtman.