Liberation of Camp Westerbork NL

On April 12, 1945, the Canadian army freed 876 Jewish prisoners in camp Westerbork. To the cry: "The Tommy's are here!", everyone rushed out to catch up with the liberators. Many jumped on top of the tanks and rode victorious over the 'Boulevard des Misères'.

The official liberation of the Netherlands on 5 May was celebrated by the camp residents in the villa of Gemmeker. For the time being, the 876 Jews still had to stay in the camp. The whole of the Netherlands had not yet been liberated.

Fighting continued further north. In addition, the risk of contagious diseases was high. First, all camp residents had to be medically examined. And, safety first, the Canadians wanted absolute certainty that no traitors were running free.

Between 1942 and 1945, 107.000 Jews were deported to the East from the Netherlands, mostly via Westerbork. In addition 245 Sinti and Roma and a few dozen resistance fighters. In total  only 5.000 people returned.