Monument voor het Ondergedoken Kind en Beschermer War memorial

What secrets does this embrace hold? Before us stands the Monument voor het Ondergedoken Kind en Beschermer. This memorial whispers tales of courage, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds forged in the darkest of times. The Monument voor het Ondergedoken Kind en Beschermer, unveiled on May 11, 2000, by Mayor Schelto Patijn, isn’t just a bronze statue. It’s a poignant tribute to the brave Amsterdammers who risked their lives to shelter Jewish children during World War II. The monument, a bronze sculpture of a man embracing a young girl while holding her suitcase, stands upon a natural stone pedestal. It’s a simple yet powerful image that captures the essence of protection and hope. A plaque on the pedestal reads: “Monument voor het Ondergedoken Kind en Beschermer. In memory of the hiding of children during the Second World War and as a tribute to those who offered these children protection.” The Monument voor het Ondergedoken Kind en Beschermer is located on a small square at the corner of Van Boshuizenstraat and Nieuw Herlaer, near the Maimonides Lyceum in Buitenveldert. It measures 1.30 meters high, 5.20 meters wide, and 8.50 meters deep. The monument’s creation was an initiative of the Stichting Monument voor het Ondergedoken Kind, an organization dedicated to commemorating this often-overlooked aspect of wartime history. While there are no names of war victims directly linked to the monument, it serves as a powerful reminder of the many lives saved and the selfless acts of those who provided sanctuary. The Monument voor het Ondergedoken Kind en Beschermer invites us to reflect on the extraordinary bravery of ordinary people. It encourages us to remember the children who were hidden, the families who were torn apart, and the individuals who chose compassion over fear. It is a testament to the enduring power of human kindness in the face of unimaginable adversity.