Placement of trip-stones (Stolpersteine) for fallen resistance fighters
On Wednesday, April 2, Mayor Bezuijen, together with Alderman Blansjaar (Art and Culture) will place trip-stones (Stolpersteine) in memory of 3 Zoetermeer resistance fighters: Jan Hoorn, Cornelis van Eerden and Jacob Leendert van Rij. They died during World War II as a result of violence by the occupying forces. The curbstones will be placed in the footpath near the places where they lived at the time, as a lasting reminder of their courage and commitment. Everyone is welcome to attend and reflect together on their story.
What are Stolpersteine
A Stolperstein is a small brass stone used to commemorate the victims of National Socialism. German artist Gunter Demnig started this art project in 1996 to permanently commemorate the memory of the victims of Nazi terror. Stolpersteine are placed in the sidewalk in front of the last (freely chosen) home of the victims. At each location there is a brief explanation of who we are commemorating and why.
This stone placement is organized with the permission of the bereaved families.
Date: April 2, 2025
Time and location: 4:00 - 4:35 p.m. Molenstraat 120 and 147 and 5:00 - 5:20 p.m. J.L. van Rijweg/Bovenlangs (at Stadshart entrance)
In memory of Jan Hoorn and Cornelis van Eerden
Jan Hoorn (1907-1945) lived at 120 Molenstraat and Cornelis van Eerden (1913-1945) lived at 147 Molenstraat . Jan and Cornelis were members of the Domestic Forces (BS) in Zoetermeer, a resistance group that provided assistance to people in need during World War II. On May 5, 1945, the day of the German capitulation, the BS gathered at the Public School at 114 Dorpsstraat . As they received orders and weapons, 15 German soldiers unexpectedly attacked. Jan and Cornelis tried to flee, but were shot dead by the Germans. They are buried in the grave of honor near the Old Church.
In memory of Jacob Leendert van Rij
Jacob Leendert van Rij (1906-1945) lived at Broekweg 15 (now J.L van Rijweg). Jacob Leendert van Rij was a guard with the military police and active in the resistance and a member of the Internal Armed Forces (BS). He kept lists of pro-German individuals, fought the black market and made sure food got to those in need. On April 29, 1945, the hunting lodge in Zevenhuizen, where he and other members of the resistance were in hiding, was raided by the Germans. During the shooting, Van Rij led a breakout that allowed many of the people in hiding to escape. He himself was wounded and eventually drowned in the swamp at the Rotte river. Jacob Leendert van Rij is buried in the grave of honor near the Oude Kerk.
