Hengelo's dark WWII legacy: new report reveals confiscation of Jewish property
A new report by Radboud University exposes the painful history of Jewish property confiscation in Hengelo during WWII. While restitution occurred post-war, the suffering of Jewish families was largely overlooked, raising questions about historical accountability and justice for victims.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Properties confiscated | 87 (63 sold during the war) |
| Agricultural lands sold | 4 out of 5 compulsorily registered lands |
| Properties restituted | All, except 3 destroyed by bombings |
| Municipality’s role | Cooperated with anti-Jewish measures under Nazi occupation |
| Mayor’s fate | Dismissed in 1942, imprisoned for resistance activities |
| Report title | Jewish Citizens in Hengelo: Expropriation and Restitution |
| Issued by | Radboud University |
| Location | Hengelo, Overijssel |
The municipality of Hengelo, like many others during WWII, was compelled to enforce Nazi policies, including the expropriation of Jewish-owned property. Today, local governments play a role in acknowledging historical injustices and ensuring transparency through research and public reports.
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Read the full translated article below
Investigation into Confiscated Jewish Property in Hengelo
Report Paints a Stark Historical Picture
The Radboud University has conducted research into the handling of Jewish property during and after World War II. The research, which was also carried out in other municipalities, paints a stark and painful picture of what happened in Hengelo to Jewish residents and their possessions. The complete report 'Jewish Citizens in Hengelo: Expropriation and Restitution' is now available.
During the war, 87 properties owned by Jewish residents in Hengelo were taken into administration, of which 63 properties were sold. Additionally, four out of five compulsorily registered agricultural lands were forcibly sold. After the war, restitution took place for all properties, but three properties destroyed by bombings were lost.
Although Mayor Van der Dussen was active in the resistance and resisted the occupier, he could not prevent the expropriations and persecution. He was dismissed in 1942 and imprisoned. Under the mayors appointed by the occupier, Jewish residents of Hengelo were abandoned. The municipality, albeit under duress, cooperated in the implementation of anti-Jewish measures.
After the war, there was little attention given to the immense suffering endured by Jewish families. With the knowledge we have today, we recognize that this was insufficiently acknowledged and addressed.
Read the report 'Jewish Citizens in Hengelo: Expropriation and Restitution' here