Rotterdam commemorates 1940 WWII bombing that killed nearly 900 people

Rotterdam has marked the 86th anniversary of the bombing of May 14, 1940, when the city was attacked by Nazi Germany. Nearly 900 people were killed, and around 80,000 Rotterdam residents were left homeless as fires spread after the air raid.

The bombing lasted just about 15 minutes. During the commemoration at Plein 1940 in the city centre, a two-minute silence was held at 1:27 p.m., marking the moment the attack began. At the monument, The Destroyed City, Mayor Carola Schouten was among those who laid wreaths.

The mayor also gave a speech, in which she pointed to the consequences of the bombing that are still felt today. “Rotterdam bears the scars of deep wounds, but also the spirit of immense resilience,” said Schouten. “Through all the grief and devastation, Rotterdam showed something that still forms the strength of this city: solidarity.”

Schouten said this sense of unity can also act as a counterweight today to violence, intimidation, and division. She referred to recent protests against asylum reception across the Netherlands, which in several cases have escalated into riots.

“Our democracy gives us ample opportunity to disagree with each other in a fair and non-violent manner. But it is democracy itself, something for which the greatest sacrifices were made during the war years, that comes under pressure when people believe they can force their will through violence,” the mayor said. “Our response must be clear: to stand together, without fear, for our democratic values. In doing so, we owe a debt to all those who fought for the freedom of our country and our city, including on May 14, 1940.”

The “lesson of Rotterdam,” according to Schouten, is “how people can hold on to one another when everything is shaking.” And within that lies a responsibility, the mayor said: “to remain vigilant. To continue seeing each other as human beings. To make room for each other’s stories, each other’s grief, and each other’s dignity. Rotterdam has proven that rising again is possible. That healing is possible. That living together is possible. Not despite differences, but precisely with differences.”