Keep Talking Episode 150: Liesbeth van der Horst - How To Resist Fascism
Sep 26, 2025
Liesbeth van der Horst, director of the Verzetsmuseum in Amsterdam, has dedicated her career to educating about resistance during WWII. In this conversation, she reveals the museum’s mission to combat fascism, sharing lessons learned from notable resistance figures. Liesbeth discusses the complexities of resistance, the February 1941 strike against Nazi oppression, and the heartbreaking realities of Jews in hiding, including Anne Frank’s story. She emphasizes the ongoing relevance of the museum in safeguarding democracy and the lessons of history.
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February 1941 Strike Sparked By Provocations
- Provocations by Dutch Nazis in Amsterdam led to riots and the first major arrests, triggering the February Strike of 1941.
- The strike began with communists but spread widely and met brutal repression, marking a turning point.
Persecution Advanced By Small Steps
- Anti-Jewish measures escalated in gradual steps to normalize exclusion before deportations began in 1942.
- Many believed liberation was near or were misled about deportation being 'for work', which muted resistance.
Westerbork And The Weekly Deportation Trains
- Jews were concentrated in neighborhoods, sent to transit camp Westerbork, then deported by weekly trains to Sobibor and Auschwitz.
- People clung to hopes and tried to be useful in Westerbork to avoid being listed for transport.