Middelburg Offers Apology to Jewish Community for Post-War Reception

The municipality of Middelburg issued a formal apology to the Jewish community yesterday, January 25th, for the unwelcoming reception they received following the end of World War II. The apology, delivered by Burgemeester Van Mastrigt in the Koorkerk, came on Holocaust Memorial Day and acknowledged the suffering endured by the Jewish population during the war and the subsequent handling of the situation by the city government.

Acknowledging Past Shortcomings

Burgemeester Van Mastrigt’s speech specifically addressed findings from a report commissioned by the municipality and conducted by Radboud University last year. The research indicated that while Middelburg did not directly purchase Jewish properties during the occupation, the city failed to actively assist in the return of properties that had been confiscated after the war.

Did You Know? The Radboud University report examined administrative and legal aspects of property handling in Middelburg following World War II.

Initially, Van Mastrigt expressed relief that the report found no administrative or legal errors. However, she later realized this perspective overlooked the emotional impact on those affected. “In juridisch en administratief opzicht waren geen fouten gemaakt, maar dat is maar een klein deel van het verhaal,” she stated, as reported by Omroep Zeeland.

The Burgemeester acknowledged that the city’s actions contributed to a “gevoel van tekortdoening, ook na de oorlog” – a feeling of inadequacy even after the war’s conclusion. She offered the apology, stating, “Als overheid moet je ook in de spiegel durven te kijken. Als je wordt aangesproken, moet je durven zeggen dat je dit anders had moeten doen.”

Community Response and Remembrance

Luuc Smit of the Synagoge Middelburg responded positively to the apology, stating, “Het is mooi dat we een burgemeester hebben die dat durft te doen” – it is good to have a mayor who dares to do that.

Expert Insight: Formal apologies from governmental bodies for past injustices, even when no legal wrongdoing is established, represent a significant step toward reconciliation and acknowledging the human cost of historical events. This action by the municipality of Middelburg demonstrates a commitment to addressing the emotional legacy of the war and its impact on the Jewish community.

The apology was delivered as part of broader Holocaust Remembrance Day observances taking place across the Netherlands. Tuesday marks 81 years since the liberation of Auschwitz, the largest Nazi extermination camp.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the apology from the municipality of Middelburg?

The apology was prompted by findings from a Radboud University report commissioned by the municipality, which revealed a failure to actively assist in the return of confiscated Jewish properties after World War II.

Where did Burgemeester Van Mastrigt deliver the apology?

Burgemeester Van Mastrigt delivered the apology in the Koorkerk on Holocaust Memorial Day.

What was the initial reaction to the Radboud University report?

The initial reaction from Burgemeester Van Mastrigt was relief that the report found no administrative or legal errors, but this perspective was later reevaluated to consider the emotional impact on the Jewish community.

How might this apology influence future discussions about historical accountability and reconciliation in other Dutch municipalities?