Amsen Johannes

Amsen, Johannes Petrus Hermanus Mrs. Menko of Amsterdam succeeded in evading the Germans until 1944. In February of that year, however, her husband and eldest son were rounded up. Realizing that her troubles were just beginning, Menko decided to take up the offer made by an acquaintance to be introduced to a certain Johannes Amsen, also from Amsterdam. By 1944, Johannes Amsen had already been a widower for ten years. He lived with two of his eight children whom he had raised alone after the death of his wife. He had never employed a full-time housekeeper to assist him. In the meeting between Menko and Johannes it was agreed that Menko would live with the Amsens as their “housekeeper.” This arrangement allowed Menko to enjoy freedom of movement while taking care of the house and the children. However, in September 1944, when Menko’s youngest son was seized, she suffered an emotional crisis and was unable to continue to function as a housekeeper. Johannes showed a concern beyond compassion and invited Mietje Menko, Menko’s only daughter, who had been in hiding in Amsterdam, to come into his home to be with her mother and nurse her back to health. Through this benevolent act, Johannes selflessly placed himself and his children in a precarious situation. On February 5, 1985, Yad Vashem recognized Johannes Petrus Hermanus Amsen as Righteous Among the Nations.