Do you see the powerful figure before you? This is De Bouwvakarbeider. It stands as a testament to a pivotal moment in Amsterdam’s history.
De Bouwvakarbeider, also known as The Docker, commemorates the February Strike of 1941. This strike was a courageous act of defiance. People protested against the persecution of Jewish people by the Nazi regime.
The strike began on February 25, 1941. It was sparked by a series of arrests and pogroms in Amsterdam’s Jewish neighborhood. The Communist Party of the Netherlands, though outlawed, organized the strike. On February 26, 300,000 people joined.
The Germans harshly suppressed the strike after three days. Despite the risks, ordinary citizens took a stand against injustice. De Bouwvakarbeider embodies this spirit of resistance.
The statue was commissioned by the municipality of Amsterdam. Mari Andriessen designed De Bouwvakarbeider. It was unveiled by Queen Juliana in December 1952 at Waterlooplein. Later, in 1970, it was moved to its current location. It now stands on Jonas Daniël Meijerplein. This square is in the heart of Amsterdam’s old Jewish neighborhood.
Andriessen was not only a talented sculptor but also a brave individual. During the war, he sheltered Jewish people. His studio served as a weapons depot for the resistance. He refused to join the Nederlandsche Kultuurkamer. This was a Nazi-controlled institute for artists.
The text on the pedestal of De Bouwvakarbeider is simple. It reads: “February Strike 1941. Act of resistance of the citizens to protest the persecution of the Jews by the German occupying forces.”
Each year on February 25, the February Strike is commemorated here. At 11 o’clock in the morning, Amsterdam’s public transport observes a minute’s silence. Trams, buses, metros, and ferries all come to a halt. This honors the brave individuals who participated in the strike.
De Bouwvakarbeider has grown into an important symbol against racism. It reminds us that freedoms and human rights are essential. It is a place for yearly commemoration and demonstrations against injustice.
The Haarlems Dagblad newspaper wrote in 1952 that the sculpture “very aptly expresses the determination of the resistance that has been put up.”
Take a moment to reflect on the significance of De Bouwvakarbeider. It represents courage, resistance, and the fight for justice. Its presence reminds us of the importance of standing up against oppression. The statue embodies the spirit of those who risked everything to protect their fellow citizens.