Podcast The Betrayal of the Jordaan dives into the crimes of a Amsterdam NSB family.
Dec 11, 2024
What do you do when you discover that your family carries a dark secret? In the podcast The Betrayal of the Jordaan, Stephanie Biesheuvel dives into a history that remained hidden for eighty years. Instead of keeping silent, as her family always has, Stephanie decides to uncover the truth. What if your family turns out to be traitors?
The Jordaan during World War II
The Jordaan is one of the most famous and iconic neighborhoods of Amsterdam, with a rich history that dates back to the 17th century. During World War II, the district, like the rest of Amsterdam, was heavily influenced by the German occupation. It was a time when social and political tensions in the city ran high. In this complex environment, the lives of the Biesheuvel family were strongly affected by the occupation, with secrets that only came to light years later.
What if your family turns out to be traitors? During her quest, Stephanie encounters shocking revelations: her great-grandfather may have been involved in the betrayal of Anne Frank, while other family members served as camp guards, SS men, and Jewish hunters. A favorite uncle turns out to have been active as a camp guard and a member of a Jewish hunter group, and an aunt endangered dozens of hiding people with her choices. How do you deal with ancestors who stood on the wrong side of history? And how do you process the traumas that have been passed down through generations? In The Betrayal of the Jordaan, Stephanie explores not only the silenced past, but also its impact on herself and her family.
The Podcast and the Book: The Betrayal of the Jordaan
The podcast is a gripping journey in which Stephanie not only unravels her family's past but also examines its personal impact. The book, which emerged from this quest, offers an in-depth look at these revelations and their consequences for both her family and herself. The book and the podcast together form a powerful combination that takes the listener and reader on a complex and emotional journey through history.
The creative process behind The Betrayal of the Jordaan was anything but simple for Stephanie Biesheuvel. When she discovered that her great-grandfather might have been involved in the betrayal of Anne Frank, she decided to break the silence surrounding her family history. This led to profound conversations with family members, historians, and experts. Her personal journey to uncover the truth formed the basis for both the podcast and the book.
Are you intrigued by the podcast and want to know more about the shocking history of Stephanie Biesheuvel's family? Her book, in which she further explores her quest for the truth, is available here in our app.