From the 3rd of May 1942, the Nazis made it mandatory to wear a yellow cloth star, called the “Star of David,” in the Netherlands. This measure made it easy to identify Jewish people and was intended to stigmatize and dehumanize them.
These stars were printed on inexpensive yellow cotton, in De Nijverheid, a textile factory, in the Dutch city of Enschede that had previously belonged to a Jewish family. The company had been confiscated from them shortly before and placed under German supervision. The around 100,000 yellow stars needed in the Netherlands were probably printed on the material pictured above, a 10,000-meter roll. Production most likely took no more than a day. The sale of these stars went for 4 cents each. It was a very profitable business. In addition to the purchase price, Jews had to turn in a textile ration coupon.
Behind the stars were human beings just like you and me.
Human beings from different ages, sizes, sexes, and backgrounds.
Behind the stars—were human beings who needed food and water to live, just like any other human being.
Human beings who needed oxygen.
Behind the stars were dentists, teachers, doctors, nurses, and postmen—all helping everyone, regardless, in society.
Human beings who contributed in talents and services.
Behind the stars were students.
Young human beings who had not developed fully yet, just like any other students.
None of these people, who were singled out and often murdered, were ever a threat to society. The real threat to society was those who betrayed, arrested, and murdered them.
We should never think that anyone is more or less than us. We are all the same—our differences make us who we are, and allow us to build our strength.
Alas, this lesson is yet to be learned.
Just remember—next time it could be you behind a star or any other symbol.
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