Yme Holwerda

Geslacht: Man
Vader: Johannes Tjallings Holwerda
Moeder: Gerritje Steiger
Geboren: 2 Juni 1918 Oosternijkerk, Oostdongeradeel
Overleden: 1984 Oostdongeradeel
Aantekeningen: Last Name: Holwerda
First Name: Hillegonda
Maiden Name: Hoogstra
Alias: HILTJE
Date of Birth: 05/06/1919
Rescuer's fate: survived
Nationality: THE NETHERLANDS
Gender: Female
Place during the war: Staphorst, Overijssel, The Netherlands
Rescue Place: Staphorst, Overijssel, The Netherlands
Rescue mode: Hiding
File number: File from the Collection of the Righteous Among the Nations Department (M.31.2/2244)
Simona van der Linden was two years old when she was smuggled out of Westerbork in 1943 by Yme Holwerda, a Resistance activist who helped place Jewish children with foster families in rural areas in the north of Holland and provided them with ration cards. Her parents were later deported from the camp to Auschwitz. Because she was not in good health, many families were reluctant to take Simona in, so Yme eventually took her in himself. His wife, Hillegonda (Hiltje), was also a member of the Resistance and their home served as an arsenal for illegal ammunition. As a precaution, they often slept elsewhere, taking Simona with them or leaving her with neighbors or friends. Although they were deeply involved with Resistance activities, the Holwerdas cared for Simona until the liberation, finding a trustworthy doctor named Decher to treat her health problems. In addition to helping Jewish children hide, Yme also distributed underground literature and food and became involved in military actions within the framework of the Netherlands Forces of the Interior (Nederlandse Binnenlandse Strijdkrachten or NBS). Simona kept in touch with the Holwerdas after the war.
On June 13, 1982, Yad Vashem recognized Yme Holwerda and his wife, Hillegonda Holwerda-Hoogstra, as Righteous Among the Nations.

Gezin 1

Huwelijkspartner: Hillegonda Hoogstra geb. 5 Juni 1918 overl. 2000
Huwelijk: 1941 Oostdongeradeel