A new historical exhibition on “The raids of February 22 and 23, 1941” investigates the fates of Dutch Jews who were rounded up by Nazi forces during the German occupation of the Netherlands during the Second World War.

The exhibition focuses particularly on the Dutch Jews who were victims of one of the first Nazi roundups of Jews in the Netherlands on 22-23 February 1941.

The New York Times provides background on the roundups: “In February 1941, nine months after the German Reich invaded and occupied the Netherlands, the first pogroms began on Dutch soil. Local Nazi party members posted bills in shop and cafe windows that read ‘Jews Not Wanted.’ Then they trolled the Jewish Quarter, breaking windows and shouting jeers. Young Jewish men and boys prepared to protect their neighborhood. When Dutch Nazis returned a few days later, the Jews fought back. Street fights went on for days resulting in many casualties, including the death of one Dutch Nazi, Hendrik Koot. In retaliation, the Green Police — German Nazi officers in long green coats and high boots — randomly grabbed about 400 Jewish men off the streets during a two-day sweep, ultimately forcing them into trucks and driving off into the night.”

The exhibition examines the fates of each of the 400 Dutch Jews who were abducted, providing new insights on the early phases of the Holocaust.

Dutch historian Wally de Lang conducted extensive historical research on the Nazi roundups and organized the exhibition in conjunction with the Amsterdam City Archives.

The exhibition is being held at the Amsterdam City Archives. An accompanying book and website provide global access to the historical research.

The New York Times reports on the exhibition.