Ybenheer, Former labor camp in Fochteloo, Netherlands
Ybenheer was a labor camp built across heathland with barracks arranged along a sandy path. A central water pump system provided daily necessities for those living at the site.
The camp was established during World War II from June to October 1942, holding 225 Jewish men forced into peat and potato work. After the war, it served from 1950 to 1960 as housing for Moluccan KNIL soldiers and their families.
The site's name reflects the people who lived and worked here during different periods of its use. Visitors can sense how communities were brought together in this remote location.
The site is located in a forested area with minimal visible remains and can be challenging to reach. Information panels and two wooden posts mark where the barracks once stood and guide visitors through the location.
After the war, Moluccan soldiers living here raised the Maluku Selatan flag on the 25th of every month in a monthly ceremony. This ritual preserved their cultural identity and connection to their homeland during their time at the camp.
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