As long as a name is mentioned, the memory lives on

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Elise van der Laan (26) - Assen

“Reading out the names of the 102,000 victims is important. Not only because it makes us realize how incredibly many people were killed, but also because it allows us to dwell on each person individually. We thus commemorate the fate of every man, woman and child who was taken away.”

Elise van der Laan (26) – Assen

Barbara Dijke, Docente Nieuwe Veste Hardenberg

“Were the names at school actually still names on paper: I saw them become tangible for the students while reading. No human being lives to be forgotten and every human being needs to be remembered.”

Barbara Dijke, Teacher Nieuwe Veste Hardenberg

Anonieme reactiekaart

“To listen to the names here in this place has done a lot for me. That my mother has read names of my family, among others, here makes it extra special.”

Anonymous reaction card

Tamar van Ark, staatssecretaris (2020)

“A number, however enormous, remains elusive. Reading out more than 100,000 names, calling people by their names, makes the magnitude of the intense suffering at least approximately somewhat tangible.”

Tamar van Ark 

Sanne Braam (23)

“My college days, a time of dreams, especially dreams about the future. But where I am able to make these dreams come true, the dreams and the opportunity to make them come true of more than 100,000 people have diminished. And why? Because they were Jewish, Sinti or Roma.”

Sanne Braam (23)

Anonieme reactiekaart

“A name lovingly given by loving parents. Who takes it away…. no one. We keep calling the names, reading them aloud. Lest we forget, never!”

Anonymous reaction card

Namen Lezen 2025

From January 22 until January 27, 2025, the fifth edition of Namen Lezen (“Reading the Names”) will take place in the former camp area of Westerbork. During this commemoration, for six days and five nights consecutively, the names of more than 100,000 Jews, Sinti and Roma who were persecuted, deported and murdered during the Holocaust will be read aloud.  Because as long as a name is spoken, memory lives on. Through various accompanying activities, faces and stories will be added to the names.  

Namen Lezen can be followed via a livestream on this website and will end on January 27, 2025: this date marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz extermination camp.  

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Watch Namen Lezen on livestream

Namen Lezen is a special experience. Visitors can attend Namen Lezen in a tent in the former camp area of Westerbork, and the commemoration can be followed via a livestream. 

Namen Lezen Podcast

In the Namen Lezen Podcast we offer a wrap-up after each day. All episodes feature the personal story of a name read during the previous day,  interviews with special readers and a short report on the activities that took place. Please note that the podcast is in Dutch. 

Podcast

FAQ

How long does Namen Lezen ("Reading the Names") take?

The reading of the names will take approximately 140 hours.  

The previous editions were called De 102,000 Namen Lezen (“Reading 102,000 Names") why is the 2025 edition called Namen Lezen?

For the 2025 edition, we chose to read the names of a broader group of victims, which increases the number to 104,000 victims. 

When will my family member's name be read?

The names are read in alphabetical order. We cannot give an exact time, but we can give an approximate period. We determine this based on the first letters of the last name. 

What are the opening hours of the museum and former camp area during Namen Lezen?

The museum is open from Wednesday, January 22, beginning at 10 a.m., then day and night until 5 p.m. on January 27. During Namen Lezen, regular admissions apply.  The former camp area is open to visitors day and night. 

 

May I take photos and videos during Namen Lezen?

It is allowed to take photos and videos during Namen Lezen, as long as it does not disturb the readers and audience.   

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