The tragic events of the Holocaust left an indelible mark on Europe, and the Netherlands and Belgium were no exceptions. While the Nazis occupied both countries, the experiences of the Jewish population in each differed significantly. By examining key studies, we can better understand why these differences occurred and how they shaped the Jewish communities’ fates during World War II.
The Jewish Population Before the War
Before the war, Jews made up a small percentage of the total population in both the Netherlands and Belgium. In the Netherlands, Jews accounted for roughly 1.5% of the population, around 140,000 individuals. In Belgium, they represented 0.75% of the population. Both countries also had thriving Jewish communities, contributing richly to cultural, intellectual, and social life.
Deportations and Victims: A Stark Contrast
The scale of the Nazi deportations in the Netherlands was particularly devastating. According to the research of Pim Griffioen and Ron Zeller, over 100,000 Jews were deported from the Netherlands, resulting in 104,000 Jewish victims. This staggering number, which includes deportations, suicides, and deaths in hiding, reveals the systematic efficiency with which the Nazi regime, aided by local authorities, executed their plans.
In Belgium, the numbers were still significant but relatively lower. Some 25,000 Jews were deported, with around 25,000 total victims. This data illustrates that although Belgium also suffered greatly under Nazi rule, it did not face the same degree of mass deportation as the Netherlands.
Survival and Hiding: A Grim Reality
Efforts to hide from the Nazis proved challenging in both countries, but the outcomes varied. In the Netherlands, approximately 30,000 Jews attempted to go into hiding. Tragically, around 12,000 of those in hiding were discovered and deported, translating to a survival rate of only about 58%.
In contrast, in Belgium, around 15,000 Jews went into hiding. Despite the challenges, the survival rate was higher than in the Netherlands, with 9,000 surviving the war. This difference has intrigued historians, and Griffioen and Zeller’s research points to several factors, including varying levels of assistance from local populations and the intensity of German control in the respective countries.
The Role of Local Authorities
One of the most significant findings from studies on this period is the role local authorities played in the deportations. In the Netherlands, one in four Jews was arrested and deported with the active involvement of Dutch police and other local authorities. In Belgium, this figure was one in six, reflecting a slightly lower level of local collaboration.
However, the contrast becomes even sharper when compared to France, where two in three Jews deported were handed over by French police. These statistics reflect not only the reach of the Nazi regime but also the varying degrees of local cooperation with their brutal policies.
What Can We Learn?
The Holocaust in the Netherlands stands as one of the most tragic chapters in the country’s history. With a death toll of over 75% of its Jewish population, the Netherlands has one of the highest rates of Jewish victimization in Europe. Belgium, while also severely impacted, saw a somewhat higher survival rate, with approximately 40% of its Jewish population surviving. These figures are not merely numbers; they represent the countless lives affected and the deep scars left on Jewish communities across both nations.
Visit the Anne Frank House and the Jewish Quarter in Amsterdam
The Holocaust may feel like a distant memory, but its lessons are more relevant today than ever. For those interested in understanding this painful history more intimately, visiting the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam is a powerful experience. It offers a glimpse into the life of Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl whose family was forced into hiding during the Nazi occupation. Her diary stands as a symbol of hope and humanity in the darkest of times.
Afterward, consider joining Sapiens Travel on our Jewish Quarter Private tour. Walk through the historical heart of Amsterdam's Jewish community, exploring significant sites that reveal the community's rich culture and its tragic fate during World War II. Together, we can honor the memories of those who suffered and ensure that their stories are never forgotten.
Let us guide you through these important journeys—contact us to book your personalized tour and explore this deeply moving part of European history.