Corrie Ten Boom
Corrie ten Boom was born on April 15, 1892 and grew up in a tight-knit religious family. Her parents were devout Calvinist in the Dutch Reformed Church, which placed an emphasis on service to others. She followed in her father’s footsteps as a watchmaker in their generations owned shop. Under his mentorship and guided classes, she became the first licensed female watchmaker in Holland.
Alongside this, she began a religious youth group that offered instruction and opportunities for young women. This peaceful daily life was hindered by the invasion of the Nazi regime into the Netherlands on May. 10, 1940. Seven days later, Germany occupied the territory. Corrie recalls the tension of Jewish persecution changing the country she called home. While she did not follow the faith herself, her religious beliefs respected Jewish individuals as “God’s ancient people.” Therefore, she made continuous efforts to protect the Jews her family held close bonds with.
This began with a Jewish woman named Kleermaker. When she faced trouble, the ten Boom family opened their household door with welcoming arms. Their helping hands stretched to numerous familiar faces during the beginnings of Hitler’s reign. As the danger increased, Corrie’s room was extended into a secret bunker with an alerting alarm that hid Jewish friends from spontaneous Nazi raids. Despite the growing hatred felt by many in the country, Corrie maintained a light and cheerful mood within their household.
This attitude was betrayed by the Dutch that lived in the surrounding area when the Gestapo arrived at the ten Boom’s door on February 28, 1944. Corrie, her sibling Bestie, and her father were arrested, however, the Jews hiding within the walls of the house were never captured.
They spent the next several months in prison suffering harsh conditions. Casper, Corrie’s father, grew severely ill and passed away from the lack of proper medicinal care. While mourning the loss of their father, the two girls were transferred to the Vught concentration camp and then Ravensbruck women’s camp. As they were forced to live as inmates, Bestie’s health suffered. She died in December of 1944. Corrie looked to find solace within her faith, praying for a miracle that would allow her to return to her childhood home.
Twelve days later a clerical error permitted her release from the concentration camp. Her liberation allowed her to find herself again. Following the end of WWII, she opened a rehabilitation center for Jewish concentration camp survivors. Corrie spent the next three decades spreading Holocaust awareness to countries. She utilized her religious beliefs to recognize the power of forgiveness. In died at the age of 91 on April 15th, 1983. In Judaism, when an individual passes on the day they were born, it is a blessing that they have completed their true mission on Earth. She legacy lives on as a protector of over 800 Jewish lives during the Holocaust.
Written by Emma Rieser
