Jews' Road and Jews' Ditch near Rouveen

The Afschuttingsweg (formerly the Jodenweg) near Rouveen and the adjacent ditch were constructed by Jewish men during the Second World War. In 1942 they were forcibly removed from their family and work and sent to distant unknown labor camps. Many only equipped with their city clothes. That meant digging ditches with thin shoes and smart suits. Tangible evidence of injustice, hunger and deportation.
Around 2000, someone added the name Jodensloot to the bridge at the Afschuttingsweg. Now the water sparkles. In 1942, Jewish men were employed here. It was a scene of sand, wheelbarrows, dump carts on rails and paving stones. Unusual and hard work for these men. Only to be sent to the concentration and extermination camps on October 3 of that year.
The road and the adjacent ditch have therefore never been completed to this day.

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Source

• Text: Robert Groenhuis
• Photos: Robert Groenhuis