Erasmus MC remembers victims of fatal shooting on one-year anniversary

A gathering to remember the fatal shooting and arson that took place at the Erasmus MC hospital a year ago was attended by 80 people on Friday. The memorial was shown on livestream so thousands of employees and students could witness the occasion.

A lecturer of the Erasmus MC lost his life at the shooting on September 28, 2023. The 33-year-old suspect, a medical student, had also shot his neighbor and her daughter shortly before this on the Heiman Dullaertplein in Delfshaven.

Joke Boonstra, vice chairwoman of the Erasmus MC, called the gathering a "very nice memorial which recalled what the teacher was like." In addition to the speeches, there was also "beautiful music and poetry" during the gathering, which lasted around 45 minutes, where people were present who were closely involved on the day of the incident or worked closely with the deceased teacher.

Boonstra said the last year was difficult. "This is a black page in the Erasmus MC's history and will remain so. Remembering is important for processing and reflecting on people and the organization, for putting words to it and dwelling on it."

Aftercare was provided after the attack because many people were suffering as a result of the incident, said Boonstra. "In the form of Victim Support or the use of psychologists and psychiatrists. Everyone must choose his or her own path and follow the pace in processing."

Although it was a difficult year, Boonstra found it lovely to see how many people within the organization tried to help each other. "Our motto was: hold each other. We also felt very supported by people in the city and the country. We had to carry on, and we were able to do this because of the solidarity."

You cannot prepare as an organization for an incident like what occurred, Boonstra said, who is proud of how the crisis teams and emergency services performed on that day.