Tina Strobos

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WWII netherlands persoonsbewijs

Tina Strobos (19 May 1920 – 27 February 2012) was a Dutch physician and psychiatrist, best known for her heroic efforts during World War II when she saved over 100 Jewish lives by providing them with safe houses and smuggling them out of Nazi-occupied Netherlands. Her bravery and selflessness have earned her a place among the Righteous Among the Nations, an honorific used by the State of Israel to describe non-Jews who risked their lives during the Holocaust to save Jews from extermination by the Nazis.

Early Life

Tina Strobos was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, into a family with a strong tradition of resistance against injustice. Her mother was a peace activist, and her father was involved in anti-Nazi activities. This environment nurtured in Strobos a deep sense of duty towards helping those in need, which would later manifest in her wartime activities.

World War II Activities

With the invasion of the Netherlands by Nazi Germany in 1940, Strobos was a medical student at the University of Amsterdam. She became involved in the Dutch resistance movement, initially by distributing illegal anti-Nazi literature and newspapers. Her activities quickly escalated to hiding Jewish refugees in her home and in the homes of her network of acquaintances.

Strobos and her family converted their home into a safe house for Jews fleeing the Holocaust. She ingeniously hid Jewish refugees in secret rooms and compartments to evade detection during Nazi raids. Strobos also smuggled food, ration cards, and forged identity papers to help sustain those in hiding and facilitate their escape to safer territories.

One of her most significant contributions to the resistance effort was her role in smuggling Jewish children out of the Netherlands to safety. Strobos utilized her connections and her cunning to bypass Nazi checkpoints, often risking her life to ensure the safety of those she was helping.

Post-War Life and Recognition

After the war, Tina Strobos completed her medical studies and went on to become a psychiatrist. She moved to the United States, where she continued her practice, dedicating her life to helping others.

Her courageous actions during the war were recognized posthumously by various organizations. She was honored as a Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Israel. Her story is a testament to the power of individual courage and the impact one person can have on the lives of many.

Legacy

Tina Strobos's legacy is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Her life and actions during World War II continue to inspire generations to stand up against oppression and to help those in need, regardless of the personal risk.