A special meeting on Dam Square

On January 20, 2020, Theodoor van Boven, owner of the Condomerie on Warmoesstraat in Amsterdam, struck up a conversation on Dam Square with a “proud 90-year-old sportsman.” The man shared that he had witnessed the shooting on May 7, 1945. His story left a lasting impression, but sadly his name remained unknown.

The Memorial Foundation for Dam Victims of May 7, 1945 made efforts to track him down, but to no avail. Then, on May 5, 2022, while members of the foundation were on Dam Square sharing the history of that fateful day with passersby, a man suddenly said, “I was there.” It was him: the same man Theodoor had met two years earlier. At last, he had been found. His name? Joop Baars.

A few days later, Joop reunited with Theodoor, this time joined by Theodoor’s daughter, Stien. Together, they reflected on the past and the present.

To Stien, representing a younger generation, Joop offered a simple but powerful message:
"Whatever setbacks come your way, always keep smiling."

Theodoor reflected:
"How wonderful. I'm so glad we got to know Joop Baars, such a remarkable person, and a true example of character. I call this the serendipity, the beautiful coincidence, of the city."