A Dutch politician, academic, and author who saved hundreds of Jewish children from the Nazis during WWII, earning him the title of Righteous Among the Nations.
Johan van Hulst, a Dutch educator and politician, is revered for his courageous acts of humanity during World War II. In 1943, he masterminded the rescue of over 600 Jewish children from the notorious Hollandsche Schouwburg, a deportation site in Amsterdam, in coordination with the Dutch resistance and students from the University of Amsterdam.
Born on January 28, 1911, in Amsterdam, van Hulst studied psychology and pedagogy at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He began his teaching career in Oudewater, Utrecht, and Purmerend before becoming the director of the Reformed Teacher Training College in Amsterdam.
As the Nazi occupation tightened its grip on the Netherlands, van Hulst witnessed the heartbreaking scenes of Jewish families being forcibly separated at the Hollandsche Schouwburg. With the help of students from the University of Amsterdam and the Dutch resistance, van Hulst orchestrated a daring rescue mission.
This perilous operation continued for several months, saving the lives of over 600 Jewish children and earning van Hulst the esteemed title of Righteous Among the Nations from the State of Israel in 1973.
Variety characterized van Hulst's professional life. He was a senator in the Netherlands from 1956 to 1981, serving as the parliamentary leader of the Christian Historical Union (CHU) and later, the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA).
He was also a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from 1961 to 1968 and held the position of party chair of the CHU from 1969 to 1972.
Van Hulst was an accomplished author, publishing over 100 works on education, pedagogy, and politics. He was also an passionate chess player, participating in various tournaments and competitions throughout his life.
Johan van Hulst lived a life marked by unwavering commitment to his values of compassion, justice, and education. His heroic acts during World War II serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring generations to stand up against oppression and fight for human dignity.
As a testament to his legacy, van Hulst received numerous honors, including the Israeli government's Yad Vashem medal and the Dutch government's Resistance Memorial Cross.
Johan van Hulst passed away on March 22, 2018, at the age of 107, but his remarkable story continues to inspire and educate, a shining example of humanity's capacity for courage, kindness, and selflessness.
97 Years Old
A young Jewish girl who documented her experiences hiding with her family during the Nazi occupation in a diary, which became a powerful and enduring symbol of hope and resilience. Her diary has been translated into over 60 languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide.
Born in 1909
A brave and selfless individual who risked their life to hide a Jewish family, including a young girl who would become a symbol of hope and resilience, from the Nazis during WWII. This hero's actions allowed the family to survive for two years, and their story to be told.
Born in 1905
A Dutch resistance worker who helped hide and protect Jews, including Anne Frank and her family, during World War II.
