In a poignant event that left a mark on the hearts and minds of The British School of Amsterdam’s students, Mr. David “Dickie” Groenteman, a Holocaust survivor, visited the school on Thursday, 15 June. The significance of his visit cannot be overstated, as Mr. Groenteman was held captive during World War II in the very building that now houses the school. To mark his 100th birthday, he journeyed from Australia back to Amsterdam, where he could witness the prison cell and building that once confined him. Our GCSE and A Level History students had the exceptional privilege of hearing Mr. Groenteman’s first-hand account of his experiences and engaging in a Q&A session with this extraordinary man.
Mr. Groenteman’s visit brought history to life within the very walls that once held him captive. As students gathered to listen to his testimony, they were transported back in time to the harrowing days of the Holocaust. It was his first opportunity to see the cell and building that bore witness to his suffering during those dark years. This act of remembrance served as a testament to his enduring strength and his determination to ensure that the atrocities of the past are never forgotten.
As Mr. Groenteman shared his life story, his words resonated with wisdom and hope. Despite enduring unimaginable hardships, his positive outlook on life shone through. In his own words, he reminded us all of the importance of living a good life, emphasising that our time on Earth is fleeting. His words struck a chord with the audience, inspiring them to strive for compassion, understanding, and making a positive impact on the world around them. The event served as a stark reminder of the atrocities of the past and the collective duty to create a better, more inclusive future.
Melissa Conboy, History teacher on Mr. Groenteman’s visit:
“Dickie had the whole audience completely captivated; silent, focused, and hanging onto his every word. We went on a journey with Dickie through his storytelling – tears were shed at brutality and injustice, mouths were agape with the shock of the past, and then Dickie would make us laugh with his shining, tenacious personality and knack of sheer luck. I know that I can teach History in all kinds of inventive ways, but nothing can bring to life understanding the past more than the sharing of real, personal stories delivered by survivors like Dickie. That day was special, and the extraordinary tales of Dickie Groenteman will certainly live on in History staff and students at The BSA.”
The British School of Amsterdam considers itself privileged and honoured to have had the opportunity to meet and learn from such a remarkable individual.
If you want to learn more about Mr. Groenteman’s life, listen to The Flying Dutchman podcast and see the below trailer about his documentary:
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/6b5HMfEzGlQkaRHPJrRKl3