“Waren mijn ogen een bron van tranen”. These words echo from the Joods Verzetsmonument here in Amsterdam. This monument stands as a solemn reminder of the Jewish resistance fighters who perished during World War II.
The Joods Verzetsmonument is more than just stone and text. It’s a powerful symbol of courage and sacrifice. It stands on the corner of the Amstel and Zwanenburgwal near the Stopera.
Joseph Glatt, a sculptor specializing in Jewish gravestones, created this striking monument. The monument features a tall black granite pillar. Stone tablets are carved on it. The text is inscribed in both Dutch and Hebrew.
The Joods Verzetsmonument came about through the efforts of the Stichting Comite Joods Verzet 1940-1945. Benny Bluhm founded this foundation in 1986. Sadly, he passed away shortly after its creation, before witnessing the unveiling.
Dick Dolman, then Speaker of the House, unveiled the Joods Verzetsmonument on October 16, 1988.
The front of the pillar bears a poignant inscription. It reads “Ter Herinnering aan het verzet van de Joodse burgers gevallen in 1940-1945 5700 – 5705”. This translates to “In Memory of the resistance of the Jewish citizens fallen in 1940-1945 5700 – 5705”.
A quote from the prophet Jeremiah is inscribed on the side. It reads “Waren mijn ogen een bron van tranen dan zou ik wenen dag en nacht om de gevallen strijders van mijn dierbaar volk”. In English, this means “Were my eyes a fountain of tears, I would weep day and night for the fallen fighters of my beloved people”.
From 2009 to 2015, the monument served as a site for Kristallnacht commemorations. Kristallnacht was a night of violence against Jews in Germany in November 1938. Jewish shops were vandalized. Hundreds of synagogues were burned.
The annual commemoration of the Jewish resistance takes place here. It is usually near February 25. The Stichting Vriendenkring Mauthausen organizes it with the City of Amsterdam since 2002. It usually precedes the remembrance of the February Strike.
At the unveiling, Dick Dolman stated something very powerful. He said that both qualitatively and quantitatively, the Jewish resistance surpassed the non-Jewish resistance. About one thousand Jewish resistance fighters engaged in acts of courage. Around 500 paid the ultimate price.
Take a moment to reflect on the weight of these words. Consider the bravery of those who stood against oppression. The Joods Verzetsmonument stands as a testament to their enduring spirit. It reminds us to never forget their sacrifice. It urges us to stand up for justice and freedom.