Jewish Quarter World War II Tour

Tour Details

At the indicated time, we'll meet outside the H’ART Museum in Amsterdam to begin our journey through the Jewish Quarter and the powerful legacy left behind by World War II.

We'll start by exploring the early history of Jewish life in the city, shaped by centuries of migration and cultural growth before the war. We'll uncover how life for Amsterdam's Jewish community changed dramatically under Nazi occupation. Walking past commemorative plaques marking the sites of over 300 deportations, we'll reflect on the systematic segregation and persecution that unfolded in these very streets.

At Nieuwe Keizersgracht, we'll delve into the Netherlands' surrender to Nazi Germany and the gradual enforcement of anti-Jewish measures. We'll also pass buildings from which hundreds were deported, learning about the role of the Jewish Council and how their headquarters played a part in this harrowing process. Then, we'll pause at the National Holocaust Memorial, a solemn tribute bearing the names of Amsterdam's Jewish victims. This powerful space invites remembrance and honours those who never returned.

We'll then visit the building once used as a deportation centre for children, where we'll hear stories of extraordinary bravery and quiet resistance. Nearby, we'll visit the Hollandsche Schouwburg, a former theatre turned deportation site, now a poignant museum displaying photographs and names of those who passed through its doors. Here, we'll also learn how tram lines were used in the transportation of deportees and how collaborators assisted the Nazi regime.

Our next stop is Plantage Kerklaan, near the former Civil Registry. In 1943, resistance fighters carried out a bombing here to destroy Nazi records of Jewish citizens. The area also harboured hidden safe houses, a reminder of the courage and compassion shown in the darkest times. From here, we'll continue to Henri Polaklaan, historically linked to Amsterdam's diamond trade. We'll talk about the community's resilience and the Jewish "hunters" who tracked down those in hiding.

At Wertheimpark, we'll visit the Auschwitz Memorial, a striking monument that honours the victims of the notorious concentration camp. This reflective space serves to keep their memory alive for generations to come. We'll then stop at the Dokwerker, a monument commemorating the 1941 dockworkers’ strike, one of the first public protests in Nazi-occupied Europe. This powerful act of solidarity is a lasting symbol of resistance against injustice.

Finally, we'll arrive at the Jewish Resistance Monument, where we'll discuss the harrowing “Winter of Hunger” that gripped Amsterdam in the final months of the war.

After 2 hours in total, our tour will come to an end, leaving you with a lasting impression of resilience, remembrance, and resistance.