Hilbrand Gils

Geslacht: Man
Vader: Harm Gils
Moeder: Lammigje Reinink
Geboren: 11 MRT 1904 Holthe, Beilen
Overleden: 13 Dec 1988
Beroep: landbouwer
Aantekeningen: Last Name: Gils
First Name: Hilbrand
Date of Birth: 11/03/1904
Date of death: 13/12/1988
Rescuer's fate: survived
Nationality: THE NETHERLANDS
Religion: CALVINIST
Gender: Male
Place during the war: Holthe, Drenthe, The Netherlands
Rescue Place: Holthe, Drenthe, The Netherlands
Rescue mode: Hiding
File number: File from the Collection of the Righteous Among the Nations Department (M.31.2/1854)
Hilbrand and Trijntje Gils lived with their three children on a farm in the small village of Holthe (Drenthe). In 1942, when the situation of the Jews had become intolerable, they felt compelled to assist those in need. Hilbrand and Trijntje were devout Calvinists for whom it was natural to offer assistance. On August 16 of that year, Levie Vos, a 22-year-old man, found refuge on their farm. Levie remained there until the liberation. On January 15, 1943, Levie’s father, Aron, arrived at the Gilses’ front door in need of a place to stay. He too was welcomed into their home and sheltered there until the liberation. The risks Hilbrand and Trijntje took by sheltering these two men were immense; their children (aged three, five, and seven) had to be trained and then trusted not to mention the “lodgers” to anyone. On January 16, 1943, during a night raid aiming to fish out fugitives, the Germans surrounded the farm. Fortunately, Hilbrand, Levie, and Aron all managed to escape. Over and above the help given to Levie and Aron, Hilbrand and Trijntje also assisted many other people who were on the run. They offered temporary shelter to an Allied pilot who had been shot out of the sky, to a Jewish girl, and to a local physician who was suspected of anti-German activities, as well as to several others. Hilbrand and Trijntje never expected payment for the help they extended to people in need.
On June 26, 1980, Yad Vashem recognized Hilbrand Gils and his wife, Trijntje Gils-Ennema, as Righteous Among the Nations.

Gezin 1

Huwelijkspartner: Trijntje Ennema geb. 12 Nov 1909 overl. 22 Aug 1996
Huwelijk: 6 MEI 1936 Bedum