Jewish star

Freedom of movement for Jews was increasingly limited by the anti-Jewish measures. The situation alternated between threats and violence. On 29 April 1942, wearing the star became compulsory for all Jews from age 6 and up. Already isolated from the rest of society, the Jews now also became recognisable. This led to complete exclusion. The implementation of the Jewish star was the beginning of a new phase in the persecution of Jews: the phase of deportation.

1. Simon Peereboom and his wife Roosje Beezemer, just married, in Amsterdam, in front of an outlet selling stars, standing under a sign saying ‘stars are sold out', 1942.
   Outdoors, Jews were forced to wear a yellow Star of David with the word 'Jew' on it. Stars could be purchased at outlets throughout the country in exchange for a piece of fabric and four cents per item.
   Unknown photographer, JHM Collection, Amsterdam
2. Whoever did not sew the Jewish star correctly was summoned for questioning. Attaching the star with needles was not allowed. Probably 1942.
   Photo by Cas Oorthuys, NFM Collection, Rotterdam
3. On 7 August 1942, the Joodsche Weekblad* announced that anyone who (a) did not report for work in Germany, (b) did not wear a Jewish star, or (c) changed their address without permission – which referred to going into hiding – would be punished with deportation to the Mauthausen. Mauthausen was already a well-known camp and was cynically called 'Moordhuizen' (Death-houses).
   NIOD Collection, Amsterdam