Sliedrecht marks four years of solidarity with Ukrainian refugees
For four years, the municipality of Sliedrecht has provided shelter and support to Ukrainian refugees. This milestone highlights the community's resilience, hospitality, and ongoing commitment to those fleeing conflict, offering stability amid uncertainty.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Four-year commemoration of hosting Ukrainian refugees in Sliedrecht |
| Date | March 20, 2026 |
| Location | Reception center, Sliedrecht |
| Key Figures | Mayor Jan de Vries, Alderman Ton Spek |
| Symbol of Unity | Tulips in red, yellow, and blue (colors of the Netherlands and Ukraine) |
| Contributors | Volunteers, host families, municipal employees, Den Breejen family |
| Current Status | Reception center remains home to many Ukrainian residents |
The municipality of Sliedrecht plays a crucial role in coordinating local refugee reception, ensuring housing, integration, and community support. As part of the Dutch national response, it collaborates with volunteers and organizations to provide long-term stability for displaced individuals.
Openrijk is free and ad-free
Do you value our work? Help us stay online with a small contribution.
external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
Four years of hosting Ukrainian refugees in Sliedrecht
On Friday, March 20, 2026, Mayor Jan de Vries and Alderman Ton Spek joined residents, staff, and other stakeholders in marking a significant milestone: four years of hosting Ukrainian refugees in Sliedrecht. During the gathering at the reception center, they reflected on the occasion with two powerful films. The first showed how the location was set up in the weekend before the first bus arrived. The second featured footage from the commemoration event held two years ago.
Mayor Jan de Vries addressed those present: “The films move me deeply. Together, they tell the story of this place, your story: a tale of great distress and uncertainty, but also of hospitality, connection, and care for one another.”
A symbol of connection
While sunflowers were distributed during the commemoration two years ago, attendees this year received tulips in the colors red, yellow, and blue. These colors symbolize the Netherlands and Ukraine, emphasizing the mutual bond between the two nations.
Grateful for dedication and involvement
Even before the first refugees arrived, hard work was underway to prepare the reception center. Volunteers, host families, municipal employees, and the Den Breejen family contributed to getting the location ready. This dedication and involvement remain as strong as ever today and are of great value to the Ukrainian residents of Sliedrecht.
Four years later, the reception center remains home to many Ukrainian residents, and it may continue to do so for some time. Mayor Jan de Vries emphasized this in his speech: “Four years is a long time: four years of loss and uncertainty, but also of strength, resilience, and solidarity. Sliedrecht will not abandon you. We stand by you, in the past four years, today, tomorrow, and in the time to come.”