Nico de Both |
24-03-2014 |
The following drama took place at the neighbours’ house opposite us on Anna Paulownastraat number 33 in Groningen.
After Mr Israël de Haas was deported, it was the turn of Froukje Polak. For us kids aged about 6-7 years old who were always playing on the street, Mrs de Haas did not know that it was his housekeeper, who lodged in his house.
To avoid being deported, Froukje Polak cut her wrists, but was saved just in time. It caused quite a bit of turmoil in the street when, in the presence of a German officer, she was taken by ambulance to hospital. Although delayed for three months, she was deported none the less. She was killed in Sobibor.
Given what I witnessed as a boy, I have decided to adopt her name.
Nico de Both
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