Hillegom completes investigation into Jewish property and wartime measures

The municipality of Hillegom has concluded an independent historical investigation into Jewish real estate during and after the Second World War. The study, conducted by historian Maarten-Jan Vos, examined the role of the local municipality and police in implementing anti-Jewish measures.

The research focused on properties belonging to Bernard Daniël Rijnveld. While two of his homes were sold during the war, the investigation confirmed that both transactions were reversed after the war to achieve legal restitution. His agricultural lands and business remained intact throughout the conflict.

The report also details the involvement of local authorities in the persecution of Jewish residents. The municipal police were involved in three documented arrests, and the municipality provided personal data of Jewish citizens to the German occupiers and the PTT as part of mandated anti-Jewish measures. Vos concluded that legal restitution for property in Hillegom was successfully completed after the war.