Vrolikstraat 80

Countless stories in Amsterdam reflect events during World War II. Some are widespread, such as the story of Anne Frank, while others are less well known, such as the gripping story that unfolded at 80 Vrolikstraat. This was the home of Jewish couple Mina and Japie Walvisch. Many Jewish families lived in the vicinity of Vrolikstraat, and estimates suggest that nearly 30,000 residents of Amsterdam, hailing from this neighbourhood, were deported to concentration camps via Muiderpoort station.

The Walvisch family engaged in selling coal to local residents and nurtured a special tradition on Friday nights: preparing chicken soup. Japie and Mina always made sure there was enough soup for others in the neighbourhood to enjoy as well. During the occupation years, life was hard for many and financial resources were scarce. Japie was so generous that when he delivered the chicken soup, he sometimes took some money earned from coal sales to distribute among the people.

During the war, the Walvisch family went into hiding at up to 15 different addresses all over the Netherlands. Unfortunately, father Japie did not survive the war; he died in Auschwitz. To commemorate this warm-hearted and somewhat unknown family, the stone lying in the street serves as a lasting tribute.