WWII Secret Refuge for Jews in the Forest

In October 1942, a courageous group of Jews, forewarned about an impending raid, sought shelter at Bertus Zefat's chicken farm in Valthe. Initially hidden in a chicken coop, they later dug their own sanctuary in Valtherbos—a living space skillfully concealed under logs, branches, and leaves.

The unexpected discovery of their first hiding place by a hiker in 1943 forced them to relocate to a new, larger shelter with the help of the brave Zefat group. Albertus Zefat, a key figure in their survival, paid the ultimate price for his courage when he was betrayed, arrested, and executed in July 1944.

Despite the tragic loss of Zefat, the group persevered, continuing their mission to protect those in need. Aaltjo Oldenburger, a member of the Zefat group, played a crucial role. In January 2013, he was finally honored with the Yad Vashem distinction for his remarkable involvement in the resistance during World War II.