Motherlode: A Mosaic of Dutch Wartime Experience

A Dutch Jew Looks at the Facts

91 A Dutch Jew Looks at the Facts Some say that in Belgium the Jews had it easier than in the Netherlands. They say it’s because Belgium was under German military rule and the Netherlands had a civil government that was more corrupt. But if we’re honest, the Germans persecuted the Jews fanatically in both countries with orders directly from Berlin: anti-Jewish measures in tandem here and there, from the discharge of officials to the introduction of the yellow star to deportation. If we’re honest, it’s thanks to the Belgians, who were less influenced by German propaganda than the Dutch— less betrayal, less anti-Semitism (no NSB’ers), a solidarity, a will to do more, though earlier liberation and Queen Elizabeth’s intervention certainly helped. 92 I never returned to the Netherlands because Belgium was my refuge— became my home. ...