The Hague Holocaust survivor Eddy Boas to attend the screening of Reflections of Courage on May 3 and serve as guest of honor at the National Children’s Memorial on May 4
On Sunday, May 3, 86-year-old The Hague Holocaust survivor Eddy Boas, who emigrated to Australia in 1954, will attend the screening of his documentary Reflections of Courage at Pathé Buitenhof. The following day, Boas will be the guest of honor at the National Children’s Memorial May 4 at Madurodam. On the eve of May 4 and 5, Eddy Boas’s return to his hometown underscores the importance of continuing to remember.
Eddy (Elias) Boas was born on January 26, 1940, in The Hague, into a Jewish family that had lived in the city for generations. After the German invasion on May 10, 1940, Eddy’s father, vegetable merchant Philip Boas, hardly dared to leave their apartment on Kraijenhoffstraat for fear of arrest. In 1942, his mother, Sara Boas-Schoonhoed, managed to arrange a temporary exemption from deportation through the Jewish Council, but on September 28, 1943, the family was arrested after all and deported via Camp Westerbork to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.
The conditions there were inhumane. The father had to remove the bodies of deceased prisoners, the mother worked in the kitchen, and son Samuel helped by gathering up food scraps. In April 1945, the family was put on a transport known as the “lost train,” which traveled aimlessly for weeks. They were finally liberated by Russian soldiers on April 23.
On June 13, the family returned to The Hague, where they were horrified to discover that their home had been occupied by others. In 1947, mother Sara opened a textile shop on Hoefkade, and daughter Estelle was born. The family seemed to be building a new life, but in 1948, father Philip died, presumably as a result of the hardships he had endured. In 1954, Sara decided to emigrate to Australia with her children, where Eddy went on to have a successful career as a businessman and still lives today.
Eddy Boas’s story is unique: his is the only family—consisting of a father, mother, and two brothers aged 4 and 8—that entered a Nazi concentration camp together and survived it together. At the same time, he lost 64 family members in the war. His life story is a powerful testimony to the will to survive, courage, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Book, film, children’s memorial
In August 2017, Eddy Boas’s autobiography I’m not a victim, I am a survivor was published, and in 2025 his personal, internationally acclaimed documentary Reflections of Courage followed. In the film, Boas looks back on his childhood, life in the camp, and the moral choices people make under extreme circumstances. Boas: “The film invites reflection on freedom, moral courage, and the power of humanity.” Like the book, the film showcases Boas’ resilience. The compelling documentary touches and moves many viewers.
On Sunday, May 3, at 3:00 p.m., Eddy Boas will be present at the screening of Reflections of Courage at Pathé Buitenhof. Following the screening, there will be a Q&A session led by Jessica Mendels. A limited number of tickets are still available via LUSTR.
Monday, May 4, Eddy Boas will be the guest of honor at the National Children’s Memorial on May 4 in Madurodam. A video report will also be shown there in which Eddy Boas visits places in The Hague from his childhood with a young reporter.
This concert is a tribute to the recently deceased Greek composer Thanos Mikroutsikos by his intimate younger friend and colleague-composer Marios Strofalis. A presentation of the music and poetry of these two composers in melodic counterpoint, highlighting the power of Greek language and composition.
(The story of the songs will be explained in english.All the songs are in greek language.)
Exchange with the greek composer Thanos Mikroutsikos: Marios Strofalis-Teti Kassioni
Marios Strofalis is a multi-awarded soundtrack and Tango composer, as well as a pianist and accordionist, with an impressive discography. He has composed for cinema and television during more than 30 years.
His Tango compositions have met with international acceptance and he was recognized internationally for his successful ‘Habanera’, and for his collections “European Taxim”.
Marios Strofalis holds a diploma in piano, composition and biology in Athens. After completing his musical studies in Paris, he was recently introduced to us again with his song “Fugitive Love”( in Greek “Έρωτας Φυγάς”, voice & lyrics by Eirini Toumpaki.) His songs have been performed by important Greek singers such as Giorgos Dalaras, Tanya Tsanaklidou, Dimitra Galani, Vasilis Lekkas, Christos Thivaios, Yiannis Koutras, Melina Kana, Dionysis Tsaknis, Martha Moreleon, Irene Toumpaki etc.
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Teti Kassioni is a singer and songwriter. She studied contemporary singing and French literature. Her career began as a singer in orchestras, first in Greece, and then in the whole of Europe.
She has collaborated in concerts and recordings with many composers and lyricists, such as Lina Nikolakopoulou, Marios Strofalis, Dionysis Tsaknis, Nikos Laliotis, Nikos Doukas, Elias Papakonstantinou and others.
She released two personal albums and participated, as a composer and a singer, in many albums. She composed the music for the poems of the Greek poet Elias Papakonstantinou and made arrangements of them in the French language.
She also made arrangements in French of Lina Nikolakopoulou’s songs, that have been presented to the public in Europe.
(After the concert it will be offered a greek drink and greek tapas for the guests by one of our Sponsors, the greek restaurant Menny’s Kitchen.)
Aviator jacket on, sunglasses on: Top Gun is back. In honor of Top Gun ’s 40th anniversary, both Top Gun (1986) and Top Gun: Maverick are returning to the big screen in IMAX, 4DX, and Dolby Cinema. On Wednesday, May 13, also known as Top Gun Day, visitors can experience both blockbuster titles back-to-back at Pathé. Extra special: the original Top Gun will be shown for the first time ever in these premium formats the following day – starting Thursday, May 14.
The special re-release of Top Gun from 1986 in the special IMAX, 4DX, and Dolby Cinema formats gives film fans the chance to experience this iconic action film with razor-sharp images and immersive sound in IMAX, moving seats and spectacular effects in 4DX, and the impressive sound of Dolby Cinema.
Top Gun Day
May 13 is known internationally as Top Gun Day. Fans celebrate this day by watching the movie, wearing bomber jackets and sunglasses, and sharing quotes. Although the original film premiered on May 16, 1986, May 13 was mistakenly listed on the first movie posters, which contributed to the choice of this date.
Pathé Classics
The re-release of the two Top Gun films is part of Pathé Klassiekers: a program in which Pathé brings iconic films back to the big screen. This month is dedicated to remembrance, freedom, and courage, with impressive titles such as Zwartboek , Platoon , and Hacksaw Ridge . These themes align with important days of remembrance in the Netherlands, where the film experience has the power to connect and inspire.
Because the 40th anniversary makes this Top Gun Day extra special, Pathé is screening both titles back-to-back on Wednesday, May 13. Furthermore, starting Thursday, May 14, both Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick can be experienced in the special IMAX, 4DX, and Dolby Cinema formats.
Pathé is the first and largest cinema brand in the Netherlands, founded in Paris in 1896 by the Pathé brothers with the aim of sharing the wondrous world of film with as many people as possible. In the Netherlands, Pathé is the market leader in the cinema experience, both at home and away, and via transactional video-on-demand (TVOD). Pathé Theatres has 30 locations in the Netherlands, including the Royal Tuschinski Theatre, with 253 screens and 1,900 employees. The cinema brand offers a wide range of films and special livestreams in innovative theaters and technologies, such as IMAX, Dolby Cinema, 4DX, and ScreenX. Through Pathé Thuis, film fans without a subscription can enjoy the most comprehensive film selection in the Netherlands from the comfort of their own home. With all this, Pathé creates special experiences in the cinema and at home.
The tradition of celebrating the Dutch monarch’s birthday dates back to 1885, when Princess Wilhelmina’s fifth birthday was marked with national festivities. It was originally called Prinsessedag, then became Koninginnedag (Queen’s Day) as the Netherlands was ruled by queens for much of the 20th century — first Wilhelmina, then Juliana, then Beatrix. Queen’s Day was famously celebrated on 30 April. When King Willem-Alexander took the throne in 2013, the holiday was renamed Koningsdag and the date shifted to his actual birthday: 27 April. The House of Orange-Nassau connection also explains the sea of orange — the colour has long been a symbol of the Dutch royal family.
King’s Day in The Hague
The Hague has a particularly special relationship with the day, given its status as the royal city.
The vrijmarkt (free market) is the heart of it all — markets scatter across the city, with everyone from kids to grandparents selling old treasures, performing, or just soaking up the atmosphere.
Find bargains at the free market
Some of the best spots:
Belgisch Park
Belgisch Plein & Stevinstraat — neighbourhood charm, good mix of sellers
Frederik Hendriklaan
Statenkwartier — lively, popular with families and young crowds
Noordeinde
Near the palace — a bit of royal atmosphere alongside the stalls
Keizerstraat, Scheveningen
Beach vibes, more relaxed pace — good if you want sea air with your bargain hunting
The Life I Live Festival
King’s Night takes place the night before, on 26 April. The centre will once again be transformed into one huge festival site. This free city festival brings together local pride and top national acts for a night full of energy and musical discovery. This year, Lange Voorhout will feature two stages with energetic and moving performances, with a Silent Disco (in collaboration with PAARD) at the centre, whilst Kerkplein (in collaboration with PIP) is the place for electronic beats. At the Hofvijver and at Popdistrict on the Grote Markt (Sniesterstage), the party kicks off with live music in all styles — from hypnotic soundscapes to raw guitars.
King’s Fair
Currently on until 27 April, Malieveld will once again be transformed into a grand Royal Fair with attractions for young and old — something for everyone at an affordable price.
Hollands Live Festival
Billed as the largest Dutch-language festival in South Holland, Hollands Live is held at Zuiderpark. The vibe is distinctly Dutch — think sing-along pop and schlager music with a very orange, very gezellig crowd. The line-up features artists like Gerard Joling, Mart Hoogkamer, Monique Smit, and Django Wagner — all big names in mainstream Dutch pop and Nederlandstalige (Dutch-language) music.
Fancy a unique King’s Night? Come aboard the Willemsvaart and celebrate on The Hague’s canals. You can book a boat trip for up to 23 people — for more information or to book, email info@willemsvaart.nl.
So what do you need to make the most of the celebrations?
Dress in orange. Stores like Hema will have everything you need to get kitted out — including accessories for your furry friend too.
Bring cash to the vrijmarkt if you plan on shopping, and get there early to find the good stuff.
King’s Night is one of the rare occasions when you are allowed to walk the streets with your own drinks, so grab a cooler or backpack if you’re looking for a more affordable option. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase throughout the night.
Eat a tompouce. Several bakeries make them orange to mark the occasion, and no King’s Day is complete without one.
There’s your King’s Day survival guide — enjoy it. Living in The Hague for this one is genuinely special. 🧡
Discover exciting volunteer opportunities: connect with non-profits, like-minded Dutchies and fellow internationals. No Dutch language skills needed!
What if you could boost your career, expand your network and discover new passions, all while doing something meaningful? Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 2, 2026, and head to Amare (Spuiplein 150, The Hague) from 12.30 to 16:30 for the largest volunteer fair and music festival in The Hague! Whether you’ve considered volunteering before or are just curious about the possibilities, this event is the perfect chance to see how engaging with local non-profits can open new doors for you.At this volunteer job fair, you will have an opportunity to come in contact with over 100 organizations working in various fields including human rights, social justice, refugee and migrant assistance, homelessness, animal welfare, elderly care, child care, environmental conservation, and much more. Whether you’re an experienced volunteer or just getting started, there will over 500+ volunteer roles available to you. And remember, Dutch language fluency is NOT required by many of these organisations.
Opening by Mayor Jan van Zanen At 1:00 PM, Mayor Jan van Zanen will officially open the City Volunteer Market and the Amateur Arts Festival. Don’t miss this festive launch!
An afternoon filled with music, dance, and delicious food! Enjoy performances by various local music including by the Residentie Orkest and cultural groups. In addition to the opportunity to talk with 100 organizations, you can purchase snacks and drinks from various world cuisines prepared by local caterers.
Regardless of your background or specialization, there will be something for everyone at this event!
Volunteer The Hague is proud to bring you this event with the support of PEP Den Haag in collaboration with the Residentie Orkest, Open Amare, Cultuurschakel, and the Municipality of The Hague. Anyone can participate in this networking event, so register now for the chance to meet the local non-profit organizations and network with fellow internationals and like-minded Dutchies! We look forward to seeing you there!
AWC The Hague and Women With Dutch Partners invites you to a lecture by Dr. Jan Anthoine Bruijn, former President of the Dutch Senate and Minister of Healthcare, Welfare, and Sports.
The lecture, titled “Structure and Functioning of the Dutch Political System,” will offer valuable insights into the organization and workings of governance in the Netherlands.
Please join us for what promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking evening. Refreshments will be served, offering time for conversation and community before the lecture.
Dr. Bruijn, born in The Hague, studied medicine at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and Erasmus University in Rotterdam. He obtained his PhD and specialized in clinical pathology at Leiden University and Harvard University. Since 1996, he has been a full professor of clinical pathology at Leiden University Medical Centre and has authored numerous textbooks and over 300 peer-reviewed scientific publications.
In addition to his distinguished academic career, Dr. Bruijn has held numerous prominent leadership roles, including chairman of the national Council on Science, Technology, and Innovation, president of the International Renal Pathology Society, and chair of the Supervisory Board of the Amsterdam University of the Arts. He is also a member of the Royal Holland Society of Sciences and Humanities.
In public service, Dr. Bruijn has played a significant role in Dutch politics. He was elected senator in 2012, served as President of the Dutch Senate from 2019 to 2025, and most recently held the position of Minister of Healthcare, Welfare, and Sports (2025–2026).
