September 30, 2005
The Dutch railway company has apologised for the company’s role in deporting Jews during World War II. 107,000 Dutch Jews – around 70 percent of the country's Jewish community – were sent to death camps in Germany and Poland. Speaking at the launch of an anti-racism campaign, Aad Veenman, head of the state-owned company said "I apologize from the depths of my heart and in all humility. From the ritual of commemoration we want to move on to ‘doing something’". The campaign is being jointly organised by Dutch Railways and the Central Jewish Organization for External Relations. Posters will be displayed in train stations throughout the Netherlands with slogans such as “The train to Auschwitz used to leave here. When will the world learn?” and “In ‘40-‘45 the Jews had to get out. Who’s next…? Don’t revive the hate.”
