Courageous and Gay: The Remarkable Story of Willem Arondeus.
Courageous and Gay: The Remarkable Story of Willem Arondeus.
Willem Arondeus was a Dutch artist, writer, and resistance fighter who bravely fought against the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands during World War II. He is best known for his role in leading a daring attack on a Dutch registry office, where Jewish citizens were being identified and rounded up for deportation to concentration camps. Arondeus’ bravery and sacrifice have made him a symbol of resistance and heroism in the Netherlands, and his story continues to inspire people around the world.
Early Life and Career
Willem Arondeus were born on August 22, 1894, in Naarden, Netherlands. He was the youngest of eight children in a Protestant family. His parents ran a silk-screen printing business, which influenced Arondeus’ interest in art and design. As a young man, he moved to Amsterdam, where he became involved in the city’s bohemian and artistic circles. He worked as an illustrator, designer, and writer, and was known for his flamboyant personality and openly gay lifestyle.
Joining the Dutch Resistance
When the Nazis invaded the Netherlands in May 1940, Arondeus was horrified by their brutal treatment of Jews and other minority groups. He joined the Dutch resistance movement, which was working to undermine and sabotage the Nazi occupation. Arondeus used his artistic talents to create fake identity papers and other documents to help Jews and others escape persecution. He also participated in other resistance activities, such as distributing anti-Nazi propaganda and helping to smuggle people out of the country.
The Plan to Bomb the Registry Office
In 1943, Arondeus learned of the Nazis’ plan to use the Dutch population registry to identify and locate Jewish citizens. He hatched a plan to bomb the registry office and destroy the records, which would make it much more difficult for the Nazis to carry out their plan.
Arondeus recruited a group of resistance fighters, including artists, writers, and intellectuals, to help him carry out the attack. They spent months preparing, gathering supplies, and planning their strategy.
On the night of March 27, 1943, Arondeus and his group arrived at the registry office and set off their bombs. The resulting explosion destroyed thousands of records, including those of Jewish citizens, and caused significant damage to the building. The attack was a major blow to the Nazi occupation, but it also put Arondeus and his fellow resistance fighters in great danger.
Arrest, Torture, and Execution
When the Gestapo caught up with Arondeus and his group, they were subjected to brutal torture and interrogations. Despite the pain and suffering, Arondeus refused to betray his fellow resistance fighters or reveal any information about their activities. He remained steadfast in his commitment to the cause, even as the odds of survival grew increasingly slim.
On July 1, 1943, Arondeus and 12 others were executed by the firing squad. They were lined up against a wall, blindfolded, and shot. Arondeus reportedly refused a blindfold and faced his executioners head-on, stating that he was proud of his actions and had no regrets. His final words were, “Let it be known that homosexuals are not cowards.”
Remembering Willem Arondeus: A Symbol of Bravery and Resistance
Arondeus’ bravery and sacrifice have made him a symbol of resistance and heroism in the Netherlands. He is commemorated in various memorials and museums throughout the country, and his story continues to inspire people around the world.
In 1984, he was posthumously awarded the Resistance Memorial Cross, one of the highest honors for wartime bravery in the Netherlands. In 1995, the Dutch government declared him a national hero. In 2012, a new primary school in Haarlem, Netherlands was named after Arondeus in honor of his contributions to the Dutch resistance.
The school’s motto, “Willem’s courage lives on,” serves as a reminder to students of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
Arondeus’ legacy also extends beyond the Netherlands. In 2011, he was included in a list of 100 most important gay and lesbian figures in history, compiled by The Independent. His story serves as an inspiration to LGBTQ+ individuals around the world, reminding them that their contributions to society are valuable and worthy of recognition.
Willem Arondeus, left, dancing at a garden party in 1931.
Overall,
Willem Arondeus‘ bravery and selflessness continue to be celebrated and honored to this day. His unwavering commitment to fighting for justice and equality serves as a reminder to all of us. So that we have the power to make a difference in the world, even in the most difficult of circumstances.
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