The Diary Keepers: World War II in the Netherlands, as Written by the People Who Lived Through It

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This MP3 CD format offers a compelling exploration of World War II and the Holocaust through the diaries of Dutch citizens, showcasing firsthand accounts from ordinary people during extraordinary times. Drawing from a collection of over two thousand Dutch diaries, maintained by dedicated archivists, it presents a unique perspective on history. The narratives range from a Nazi-sympathizing police officer to a Jewish journalist documenting life in a transport camp. Journalist Nina Siegal, whose family survived the Holocaust, reflects on the experiences of everyday individuals during the war. Having heard moralistic stories and anecdotes as a child, she sought deeper insights into the past. Upon moving to Amsterdam, Siegal grappled with difficult questions about the fate of the Dutch Jewish community, where seventy-five percent perished, contrasting sharply with other Western European countries. She also contemplated the narratives of Dutch resistance and the country’s self-proclaimed tolerance. With the aim of raising a Jewish child in this context, she delves into the diaries of ordinary citizens, seeking to understand resistance, memory, and how we reflect on and commemorate our past.