Verweel Jan ; Sister: Barbara ; Brother: Klaas

Verweel, Jan & Barbara & Klaas Jan Verweel, a gardener, and his younger sister and brother, Barbara and Klaas, both teachers in the local Christian school, lived in a small house in St. Pancras, North Holland. Their house consisted of two small rooms and a kitchen on the ground floor and two bedrooms separated by a windowless landing on the second floor. The property was barely big enough to house the three siblings yet they nevertheless welcomed 55-year-old Sophie Speyer-Vorst on July 3, 1943, and sheltered her from the Germans until the liberation two years later. The siblings told people that the woman was their housekeeper and since she did not have a Jewish appearance the story was believed. The Verveers always treated Sophie considerately and tried to spare her from the dirtiest household chores. The Verweels even apologized to her for paying her such a low wage. During her time in hiding with the Verweels, Sophie’s husband also found refuge there for ten weeks. However, it became impossible for him to remain and so he had to move. Mr. Speyer had to travel by train to his next hideout and, in order to reassure Sophie of her husband’s safety, Klaas traveled with him, though in a separate compartment. Mr. Speyer reached his destination safely but was later deported, never to return. For the last six months of the war, the Verweels hid Sophie’s daughter, 20-year-old Elisabeth, in their home. Jan, Barbara, and Klaas endured all the hardship of saving these Jewish fugitives without ever receiving financial remuneration. They were pious Christians and were motivated by their determination to fight evil. On December 10, 1972, Yad Vashem recognized Jan Verweel, his brother Klaas Verweel, and his sister, Barbara Verweel as Righteous Among the Nations.