During the Second World War, the tranquillity of the Frisian countryside gradually gave way to fear and tension. But there was also determination and courage among those who joined the resistance. From 1943 onwards, several resistance organisations planned and carried out acts of sabotage, while also arranging hiding places and organising raids on town halls and food distribution offices. It was extremely dangerous. What if you didn’t come home after one of these operations? Who would look after your loved ones?
This constant threat created close bonds between resistance fighters. Their sense of comradeship led to a promise:‘If one of us falls, the others will look after your loved ones.’ It was this promise that formed the basis for the establishment of Stichting Sneek 1940-1945 and Stichting Friesland 1940-1945. For decades, these foundations have supported resistance members and their surviving families in many different ways – and they continue to do so today.
The exhibition As ien fan ús falt (‘If one of us falls’) tells the story of how these two Frisian foundations gave countless families torn apart by the resistance both hope and prospects for the future. As ien fan ús falt can be visited during Tresoar’s opening hours from 16 April. Admission is free!
The exhibition has been made possible in part by Stichting Friesland 1940-1945 and Stichting Sneek 1940-1945.
