De Levenspoort

In the heart of Wageningen, nestled between the Walstraat and the Stadsgracht, stands a poignant and powerful testament to the resilience and memory of the Jewish community - De Levenspoort. This war monument, also referred to as the Jewish Monument, commemorates the deportation of Jews from Wageningen and its surrounding areas during the harrowing years of World War II. Crafted by the talented artist Yetty Elzas, De Levenspoort was unveiled on May 4, 2000, and has since been a site of reflection and remembrance.

The Origins and Significance

The story of De Levenspoort is deeply intertwined with the tragic events of the Holocaust. During the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, Jewish residents from the municipalities of Wageningen, Ede, Rhenen, and Renkum were deported, with 71 of them perishing in concentration camps, predominantly in Auschwitz and Sobibór. To honor their memory, the Stichting Joods Gedenkteken Wageningen initiated a fundraising campaign in 1997, which culminated in the creation of this solemn monument.

Out of six proposed designs, the foundation selected the work of Yetty Elzas, a local artist known for her evocative sculptures. Elzas's design poignantly captures the essence of loss and hope, depicting figures that symbolize the Jewish community's enduring spirit. The monument was generously donated to the municipality of Wageningen and was unveiled in a moving ceremony by Mayor Sala and Rabbi J.S. Jacobs.

Location and Design

De Levenspoort is strategically located a few hundred meters southwest of Wageningen's city center, adjacent to the Straelenstoren West parking area. This site holds historical significance, as it is opposite the location of the former Wageningen synagogue, which was destroyed by artillery fire in May 1940. The synagogue, built in 1903, had already been out of use for several years before its destruction and was never rebuilt.

The monument itself is a striking bronze sculpture standing two meters tall, set upon a spacious, square natural stone platform. The sculpture portrays adults and children, some of whom have passed through the 'Gate of Life,' symbolizing those who survived the Holocaust and moved towards a new future. Others, who did not pass through the gate, represent the lives lost during this dark period. The base of the monument bears an inscription in Hebrew from Ruth 4:10, which translates to So that the name of the deceased will not be cut off from among his brothers or from the gate of his place. Below this, a Dutch translation reads, Zo zal de naam van de gestorvene niet uitgeroeid worden uit de poort zijner woonplaats.

In front of the monument, a natural stone plaque embedded in the pavement provides additional information about the monument. After the unveiling, a scroll containing the names of the 71 Jewish victims was placed in the base of the monument, accompanied by the same inscription found on the plaque. These names are also listed in the Digital Monument to the Jewish Community in the Netherlands.

The Artist Behind the Monument

Yetty Elzas-Blits, the artist who brought De Levenspoort to life, was born in Antwerp on October 6, 1934, and passed away in Wageningen on January 9, 2020. She studied briefly in Paris and furthered her education at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp and the Free Academy in The Hague. Elzas lived and worked in Wageningen, where she was also laid to rest. Her artistic focus was often on the human condition, both as individuals and within family units. Elzas was married to Maurice Elzas, a pioneer in computing and agriculture who also had a Jewish-Dutch father. Maurice Elzas, who had to flee to Spain during the war, dedicated himself to preserving the legacy of Jewish Wageningen.

A Living Memorial

De Levenspoort is not just a static piece of art; it is a living memorial that continues to engage the community. Since its unveiling, the Margrietschool in Wageningen has adopted the monument. Every year on January 27, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a ceremony is held where the responsibility of caring for the monument is passed from the eighth-grade students to the seventh-grade students. This tradition ensures that the memory of those who perished and the lessons of the Holocaust are passed down to future generations.

In conclusion, De Levenspoort stands as a solemn reminder of a dark chapter in history and a beacon of hope and resilience. Its presence in Wageningen serves to honor the memory of those who were lost and to educate future generations about the importance of remembrance and the enduring human spirit. A visit to this monument is a deeply moving experience, offering a moment of reflection and a connection to the past that continues to shape our present and future.