Laying of the First Stolpersteine

General Information

A few years ago, René van der Heijden, a resident of Voorschoten, began an in-depth investigation into the stories of Jewish, Roma, and Sinti families in our village during World War II. His research revealed that more than twenty residents of Voorschoten were deported, some of whom perished in concentration and extermination camps.

On March 20, 2025, as part of the 80th anniversary of freedom, the first two Stolpersteine will be laid in Voorschoten. These memorial stones, commemorating Maurits van Someren and Lewise Polak, will be placed near the home from which they were deported at the time. Through this symbolic act, we aim to keep their names and stories alive and to honor all victims of National Socialism.

German artist Gunter Demnig, the founder of the Stolpersteine project, will come to Voorschoten in person to lay these stones. Two relatives of the victims—a nephew and a niece—will also be present at the ceremony.

Practical Information

• Date: March 20, 2025
• Location: Oranjekade 61, Voorschoten
• Organizer: Municipality of Voorschoten
• Access: public