This exhibition reveals the full story: from isolation to extermination, captured in a rich collection of photographs, many never before seen. The images, captured by both professional photographers and courageous amateurs, document the harrowing reality of raids, the introduction of the Star of David, hiding activities, and the roles of perpetrators and bystanders.Historians Erik Somers and René Kok searched dozens of archives at home and abroad for this exhibition and the book of the same name. Their work reveals the complexity and impact of anti-Jewish measures in the Netherlands during World War II.The photographs on display not only show the brutality of the German occupation, but also highlight the help given to people in hiding, the daily life of Jews at the time, and the aftermath of the war with the return of the few survivors from the camps.This exhibition, previously shown at the National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam, National Monument Kamp Vught and at Topographie des Terrors in Berlin, is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of World War II and the persecution of Jews.Visit the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bevrijdingsmuseumzeeland.nl/de-jodenvervolging-in-fotos-nederland-1940-1945/">Liberation Museum Zeeland</a> and be immersed in this powerful and educational experience

The Netherlands

The persecution of the Jews in photographs. Netherlands 1940-1945 - Liberation Museum Zeeland

Moment 1: Commemorating and celebrating the liberation of the southern Netherlands12 September marks the start of the national celebration of 80 years of freedom. On this day in 1944, the liberation of the Netherlands began in Mesch in Limburg. Zeeland, Brabant and part of Gelderland soon followed. The liberation was accompanied by fierce fighting, many casualties and a winter of famine. Eventually, the whole of the Netherlands was liberated on 5 May 1945. A few months later, on 15 August of that same year, World War II came to an end in what was then the Dutch East Indies and thus the entire Kingdom of the Netherlands. In 2024 and 2025, we will celebrate and commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands and the fact that we have been living in freedom since the end of World War II.&nbsp;Moment 2: Commemorating the HolocaustDuring World War II (1940-1945), the Nazis murdered nearly 6 million Jews. They also persecuted and murdered Roma and Sinti, Jehovah’s Witnesses, people with physical or mental disabilities, homosexuals and political opponents. In January, we reflect on these victims.&nbsp;We commemorate their persecution and murder 80 years ago. We will do so on 26 January, during the National Holocaust Remembrance Day in Amsterdam, as well as on other occasions.&nbsp;Moment 3: Commemorating and celebrating the liberation of the east and north of the NetherlandsEighty years ago, in April 1945, allied soldiers advanced towards the north and east of the Netherlands to also liberate the provinces of South Holland, North Holland, Utrecht, Overijssel, Drenthe, Friesland and Groningen. While the south of the Netherlands had already been liberated, the occupied part of the country had to endure a long, hard winter of famine. Partly with the help of the resistance, mainly Canadian soldiers managed to liberate large parts of the country.&nbsp;Moment 4: National Remembrance and Liberation Celebration on 4 and 5 MayEvey year during the National Remembrance Day on 4 May, we remember the victims of World War II and of war situations and peacekeeping operations thereafter. At 8pm, there will be a 2-minute moment of silence throughout the Netherlands. On 5 May, we celebrate the liberation of the Netherlands in 1945 and the fact that we have been living in freedom ever since.&nbsp;On that day, we also reflect on the value of freedom, democracy and human rights.&nbsp;Moment 5: Commemorating and celebrating the end of World War IIOn 15 August, we remember the end of World War II for the Kingdom of the Netherlands and commemorate all the victims of the war against Japan and the Japanese occupation of the then Dutch East Indies. These wartime experiences and the large-scale displacement that followed after liberation continue to affect our society to this day.

80 years of freedom in 5 moments

You will be led on an adventure through time with Blue Badge Guide, Martin Walton a specialist in military tours from Napoleonic to WW2 and German Occupation of Jersey during WW2. You will visit sites around St. Helier's Harbour with poignant reminders of events from both the Occupation and Liberation of the island and hear what really happened during those fateful days.These guided tours will take place every Saturday and Sunday from April through July. Please get in contact with Martin Walton direct to book your spot on these special themed experiences.

Jersey

St. Helier: Occupation to Liberation Tour

Operatie Anger begon met een verwoestende artilleriebeschieting die grote schade aanrichtte in de gehavende stad. Na de beschietingen staken de geallieerde militairen de IJssel over en begonnen ze Arnhem stukje bij beetje te veroveren. Hoewel het Duitse leger zo goed als verslagen was, werd er op meerdere plekken nog altijd hard gevochten.&nbsp;Na twee dagen van beschietingen en straatgevechten werd Arnhem bevrijd. Vanwege de evacuatie van de bevolking in september 1944 waren er amper mensen aanwezig om de bevrijding te vieren. Inwoners die er nog wel waren wisten dat ze voor een enorme opgave stonden om de stad opnieuw op te bouwen.

Operation Anger: de tweede Slag om Arnhem

<h5 style="text-align: start">2 mei tot en met 30 november 2025</h5>De tijdelijke tentoonstelling Inheemse Bevrijders toont de verhalen van de Native American, Canadian First Nation en Métis soldaten die in 1944 en 1945 deelnamen aan de bevrijding van Nederland. Zij meldden zich in grote aantallen als vrijwilligers tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog en waren betrokken bij ieder deel van de bevrijding van Nederland, toch zijn hun verhalen tot op heden nauwelijks verteld. De expositie Inheemse Bevrijders brengt hun ervaringen tot leven door middel van persoonlijke verhalen, objecten en unieke interviews. Deze productie van dr. Mathilde Roza van de Radboud Universiteit, met steun van het Vrijheidsmuseum, is te zien van 2 mei t/m 30 november.

Inheemse Bevrijders

Half-marathon across both banks of the Meuse between the bridges at Grave and Heumen, which were of great importance during World War II. Entry fee: €15.00.

Bridge2Bridgerun

Er wordt hard gewerkt naast het Vrijheidsmuseum. Op het weiland dat aan ons terrein grenst, worden maar liefst 336 panelen opgezet in de vorm van een V voor 'Vrede en Victorie'. Beeldend kunstenaar en 'monumentaal vormgever' Dirk Hakze is initiatiefnemer van dit project en heeft dit al op verschillende locaties georganiseerd. De installatie zal een groeiproces doorgaan in de maanden dat het hier staat, want elke dag komen verschillende kunstenaars hun toegewezen panelen beschilderen.Op 28 april wordt de expositie, wat dan nog helemaal uit blanke canvassen bestaat, in de openlucht geopend. Op 1 mei komen de eerste kunstenaars hun panelen vullen met hun blik op vrede. Elke dag komen er nieuwe kunstwerken bij. De installatie komt op het weiland links van het terrein van het Vrijheidsmuseum te staan en is toegankelijk via een poort. Het blijft staan tot en met 17 september.Kijk hier voor meer informatie over The Colorfield Performance: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thecolorfieldperformance.nl/#/">https://thecolorfieldperformance.nl/#/</a>

The Colorfield Performance

Op het Canadese gedenkpark naast het Vrijheidsmuseum staan 336 panelen in een grote V-vorm: de V van Vrede. Sinds 1 mei komen dagelijks verschillende kunstenaars om hun interpretatie van ‘vrede’ te verbeelden. &nbsp;Dit bijzondere project heeft al op meerdere plekken, in verschillende edities, plaatsgevonden. Maar wat zijn de grote gedachten hierachter? Hoe is het ontstaan? Projectleider en kunstenaar Dirk Hakze vertelt op woensdagavond 23 juli over zijn geesteskind. &nbsp;De lezing begint om 19:00 in het Vrijheidsmuseum. Toegang is gratis, meld je wel aan via <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:welkom@vrijheidsmuseum.nl">welkom@vrijheidsmuseum.nl</a> &nbsp;

Dirk Hakze over kleurrijkste kunstproject in de buitenlucht 

<h4>Embark on a Journey Through Time: Experience the German Occupation Like Never Before</h4>Calling all military history enthusiasts and anyone captivated by the incredible stories of resilience during the German Occupation! Begin your journey with the turbulent events leading up to May and June 1940—the fateful months when German forces arrived, forever changing life on the Islands. Witness the transformation of this peaceful landscape into a critical stronghold bristling with fortifications, and understand how the occupation left a lasting impact on both the land and its people.<h4>Tour Highlights</h4>This immersive experience takes you to some of the most iconic and significant sites of the German Occupation:<ul><li>Batterie Moltke and MP3, Les Landes, Saint Ouen: Explore this powerful coastal battery and its preserved history.</li><li>The Channel Islands Military Museum: Discover rare artifacts and poignant stories within this rich repository of wartime history.</li><li>Sechsschartentürme, Resistance Nest La Mare Mill, Saint Ouen: Witness these imposing towers of defense.</li><li>Strongpoint Corbiere, La Corbière Point, St. Brelade: Marvel at the intricate engineering and strategic importance of this stronghold.</li><li>Batterie Lothringen, Noirmont Point, Saint Brelade: Walk among the remnants of this formidable battery.</li><li>4.7cm Anti-Tank Gun Casemate, Millbrook, Saint Lawrence: Step into this chilling reminder of wartime ingenuity.</li></ul>All entrance fees to the Military Museum are included, and interior bunker access fees will be collected on the day, should access be available.<h4>Tailored Just for You</h4>As a private tour, this experience is crafted entirely around your schedule and interests. Simply visit our website, select the Full Day tour option, and note “German Bunkers &amp; Fortifications” in the special requests box. Explore available dates on our calendar, or contact us directly for additional options.<h4>More Than a Tour: A Living Experience</h4>At History Alive and Jersey Military Tours, we believe in making history come alive. Each tour is designed to provide a rich, engaging, and flexible experience. Routes and stops may vary, ensuring every tour is tailored to weather conditions, timing, and your interests.<ul><li>Lunch Stops: Full-day tours include breaks at local spots where you can purchase refreshments and food.</li><li>Comfort First: We’ll ensure there’s time for comfort breaks and refreshments throughout your journey.</li></ul>Don’t just read about history—live it. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime exploration of the Channel Islands’ German Occupation and uncover the stories that shaped our world.Visit our website today to learn more and book your tour. Your adventure into the past awaits!

German Bunkers & Fortifications Tour

The visit offers insight into the bunker's historical significance and military function. Walking through the dark, atmospheric tunnels, you’ll learn about the bunker's role in defending the Atlantic Wall during the war and its connections to the fierce battles of Normandy, fought less than 20 miles away.You will get access to a range of original World War Two artefacts and weapons, where guests can touch and interact with the past. One of the highlights is the opportunity to climb aboard an authentic World War Two GMC truck, sitting on the benches just as soldiers once did.The visit lasts just under one hour, providing a detailed and hands-on experience of this fascinating piece of history. With small group sizes, the experience feels personal and intimate, offering an unforgettable journey through one of Jersey's most important defensive positions of WWII. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious, St. Catherine's Bunker offers an authentic and hands-on encounter with the past.<ul><li>Weekends with hourly start times from 10:15&nbsp;</li><li>Small group sizes per opening time slot</li><li>Bookings are only accepted online - Book early to avoid disappointment</li><li>Profits from sales are invested back into the restoration of this site and its upkeep&nbsp;</li></ul>

St. Catherine's Bunker Tours

​As the sun sets, your expert guide will lead you through a carefully curated route that can be fully customized to your interests. Discover the eerie remnants of fortified bunkers, command posts, and underground tunnels that are typically closed to the public. This rare opportunity allows you to delve deep into the stories and secrets of wartime strategies while experiencing the haunting atmosphere of these historical sites under the moonlight.During the tour, clients will also have the opportunity to handle safe, authentic World War II weapons and artefacts. Our tour perfectly complements understanding the history of the D-Day invasion and the battle of Normandy, which unfolded less than 20 miles away.Rated five stars on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="wixui-rich-text__text" href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186230-d9710211-Reviews-Jersey_War_Tours-Jersey_Channel_Islands.html">TripAdvisor</a>, our tour not only promises a fascinating glimpse into the past but also emphasizes safety and comfort. Each location has been selected for its historical significance and unique character, ensuring an unforgettable adventure.Whether you're a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique outing, our bunkers at night tour offers an immersive experience that brings history to life in a way few ever get to witness. Join us for an unforgettable night as we uncover the shadows of history together.<ul><li>This private tour is available in the evenings from 18:30 - 21:00, Monday through Friday.</li><li>£120 for up to 4 people visiting multiple bunkers.&nbsp;</li><li>Returning guests can also request a custom tour route to avoid duplication.&nbsp;</li><li>​Tour profits are invested in WW2 research, preservation and education.</li><li>​Bookings are only accepted online - book early to avoid disappointment.</li></ul>Please visit our website for more information about this tour and available dates.

Bunkers at Night Tour

Martin tower Liberation routesThe Martinus tower in the small town of Gennep is a permanent reminder of WW2 and lets us know that peace and freedom cannot be taken for granted. It is the only tower on the Meuse River from Mook to Roermond that survived the war. When retreating behind the Meuse, the Wehrmacht blew up the church towers on the left bank of the Meuse and placed lookouts in the towers on the right bank of the Meuse. These towers were then smashed by Allied artillery. All but one: the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.liberationroute.com/pois/787/martinus-tower">Gennep's Martinus tower</a>.The tower was on the front line from September 1944 to February 1945. Had one been in the spire in September 1944, one would have seen thousands of paratroopers and hundreds of Gliders land over neighbouring Groesbeek as part of Operation Market Garden. On 8 February, the front moved again. More than 1,000 guns shelled the neighbouring Reichswald forest and one could have watched from the tower as a roller of steel and fire swept across the great forest. Operation Veritable, the last major battle on the western front, had begun.Today, the Martinus Tower is a visitor centre with many reminders of this time. In particular, the Martinus Tower Liberation Routes, with starting and finishing points at the Martinus Tower, show the numerous traces of the tough battle in the region. The routes include the largest and second largest war museums in the Netherlands (Overloon and Groesbeek). The British Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, the Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery and Kriegsgräberstätte Donsbrügen, among others, are located in and near the Reichswald. The routes pass numerous monuments and ruins and 14 audio spots/listening boulders tell the special stories at these locations.The 8 Martinustoren Liberation Routes can be found on the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://martinustoren.nl/en/liberation-route">Martinustoren website</a>. On the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.liberationroute.com/themed-routes/12/gennep-and-the-price-of-freedom">Liberation Route website</a>, one can find another special route: Gennep and the price of freedom.The routes go through 4 beautiful Natura 2000 landscapes: the St Jansberg, the Reichswald, the Maasduinen and the Maasheggen.Entry to the Martinustoren visitor centre is free.&nbsp;Gennep's Martinus tower<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.liberationroute.com/pois/787/martinus-tower">https://www.liberationroute.com/pois/787/martinus-tower</a>Martin tower Liberation routes<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://martinustoren.nl/en/liberation-route">https://martinustoren.nl/en/liberation-route</a>Gennep and the price of freedom<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.liberationroute.com/themed-routes/12/gennep-and-the-price-of-freedom">https://www.liberationroute.com/themed-routes/12/gennep-and-the-price-of-freedom</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

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