Jewish Quarter World War II Tour

During this World War II tour, we invite you to explore Amsterdam's Jewish Quarter and discover the poignant history tied to the Nazi occupation of the city.

Tour Details

Our journey commences at the designated meeting point outside the H’ART Museum in Amsterdam, where we begin our exploration of the Jewish Quarter and the profound impact of World War II on its heritage.

We will first delve into the early narrative of Jewish existence in the city, a story shaped by a long history of migration and cultural development preceding the war. As we stroll through the area, we will uncover the drastic transformations experienced by Amsterdam's Jewish population during the Nazi regime. Passing by commemorative plaques, we will acknowledge the harrowing sites of over 300 deportations and reflect on the severe segregation and persecution that took place along these streets.

At Nieuwe Keizersgracht, we will examine the events surrounding the Netherlands' surrender to Nazi Germany alongside the implementation of anti-Jewish laws. We will walk past buildings from which many were taken away, and learn about the Jewish Council's involvement, including the significant role played by their headquarters in this tragic chapter. Here, we will take a moment at the National Holocaust Memorial, a touching homage to Amsterdam's Jewish victims, fostering remembrance for those who were lost.

Our tour continues to a building that once functioned as a deportation centre for children, where stories of remarkable courage and subtle defiance will be shared. Nearby, the Hollandsche Schouwburg, a former theater converted into a deportation site, now operates as a museum showcasing photographs and names of individuals who passed through. We’ll also discuss how tram lines were utilized in the forced transportation of deportees and the role of collaborators who aided the Nazi efforts.

The next stop is Plantage Kerklaan, adjacent to the site of the former Civil Registry. In 1943, resistance fighters executed a bombing here aimed at obliterating Nazi records of Jewish residents. This area also contained hidden safe houses, echoing the bravery and altruism displayed during the darkest times. We will proceed to Henri Polaklaan, which has historical ties to Amsterdam's diamond industry, where conversations about community resilience and the Jewish "hunters" who sought those in hiding will take place.

At Wertheimpark, a visit to the Auschwitz Memorial awaits, a solemn monument dedicated to the victims of the infamous concentration camp, reminding us of their legacy for future generations. We will also stop at the Dokwerker, a monument honoring the 1941 dockworkers’ strike, known as one of the initial public protests in Nazi-occupied Europe. This act of resistance stands as a strong symbol of defiance against oppression.

Concluding our tour, we will reach the Jewish Resistance Monument, where we will reflect on the devastating “Winter of Hunger” that afflicted Amsterdam during the war's final phase.

After a total of 2 hours together, our immersive experience will conclude, leaving you with deep reflections on resilience, remembrance, and the spirit of resistance.