Warringa Warrink & Aaltje (Struik); Daughter: Annechiena

Warringa, Warrink & Aaltje (Struik) & Annechiena Warrink Warringa worked as a peat cutter in Emmen, Drenthe, where he lived with his wife, Aaltje, and their five daughters. Towards the end of 1940, they sheltered Ab van Dien, who had been accused by the Germans of subversive action. From 1942 until 1945, at least six, and sometimes as many as 12, Jews were hidden in the Warringas’ home. They were all were lovingly cared for without any financial assistance from the fugitives themselves. When an underground hideaway near Valthe was discovered, the Jacobs couple of Emmen found shelter at the Warringas for one and a half years until the end of the war. Warrink and Aaltje Warringa’s daughter Annechiena (Gien) was active in a Resistance group that sheltered and supported some 20 people in the woods near Valthe, eight kilometers from Emmen. Bertus Zefat*, who led the group, was killed in July 1944 for his activities and Gien took his place. Helped by Bertus’s widow, Aaltje Zefat*, and the other members of the group, the activists managed to sustain those who were hiding in the woods. Among those hidden was Ab van Dien, whom Gien later married. When the hiding place in the woods had to be moved, the fugitives found shelter in Gien’s parents’ house for a few days. Gien also helped Jews escape from the transport to Westerbork and found them hiding addresses. The Warringas acted on humanitarian principles and never asked for or received any financial compensation for their help. On July 10, 1973, Yad Vashem recognized Warrink Warringa, his wife, Aaltje Warringa-Struik, and their daughter Annechiena Warringa as Righteous Among the Nations.