Zoëlle Tavener van Tengnagell, PR and Communications Spokesperson

The 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands holds a deeply personal significance for me, as it resonates with the harrowing experiences of my beloved Oma during the dark years of occupation. My Oma lost her husband shortly after the 1939 mobilization, leaving her to face the brutality of war alone as a single parent with a child. Her stories of resilience, sacrifice, and moments of profound despair have been a powerful influence on my life.

One of the most haunting memories she shared with me was witnessing our Dutch Jewish neighbours desperately trying to flee on overcrowded boats in Scheveningen, handing their children to strangers when there was no more room for anyone on the boats and begging for their Dutch neighbours to hide them and give them shelter. The cries of two little boys, aged just 7 and 9, brutally shot by Nazi soldiers for stealing apples, calling out "Mama, Mama" as they died, are etched in our family’s collective memory.

My Oma herself was brought to the brink of starvation, living each day under the oppressive shadow of hopelessness until the Canadians arrived, bringing with them the light of liberation and a renewed sense of hope. One particularly terrifying moment she recalled was when she was grabbed by the scruff of her neck by an SS officer after my young 4-year-old mother innocently asked, "Is that a Mof, Mama?" —a derogatory term for a German, as they walked across a square in Den Haag.  My Oma and Mother were hauled into the notorious police station in Den Haag run by the infamous Nazi and war criminal Seyss-Inquart. My great-grandfather happened to be bicycling home at the time, and upon returning home, he said to his wife, "Janny and Fernanda are now dead too, just like our son." Yet, by a miracle of God, she was released, in part because of her great courage in the face of evil and her steadfast refusal to be bowed down shared by many of her Dutch compatriots. 

The arrival of the Canadians was a turning point, not just for my Oma but for the entire nation. Their bravery and sacrifice restored freedom and dignity to countless families, including my own. Volunteering for this anniversary is my way of honoring my Oma’s memory and the memories of all those who endured such unimaginable hardships.

Through my volunteer work, I hope to ensure that these stories of courage and resilience are never forgotten. It is a tribute to my Oma's strength and a commitment to the values of freedom, resilience, and humanity that this anniversary represents. By keeping these memories alive, we honor the past and inspire future generations to cherish and protect the hard-won liberties we enjoy today.