On January 1, 2023, the Netherlands took a monumental step toward transparency concerning its wartime past by making public the archives of the Central Archive for Special Legal Proceedings (CABR), which include the names of approximately 425,000 individuals suspected of collaborating with Nazi occupiers during World War II. The extensive archive encompasses the stories and records of those who faced scrutiny after the war, offering descendants and researchers alike the opportunity to confront challenging family histories.
One of the individuals eager to access these archives is Rinke Smedinga. His father, Piet Smedinga, served as a senior guard at the Westerbork transit camp during the war, and Rinke has spent years grappling with the consequences of his father's past. "My father was silent and lied about many things,” Rinke expressed, reflecting the complexity of their relationship and the legacy of guilt he feels. He recalled the discomfort of learning about the darker aspects of his father's service, stating, "I want to understand how it was. My father has never told the complete truth. It’s like therapy for me."
A variety of reactions have surfaced since the archive's launch. Pieter Ausma, another descendant of collaborators, noted the conflicting feelings around his grandfather's involvement with the NSB, the Dutch National Socialist Movement. While his family has complex tales of collaboration with the Germans, Ausma recognizes some positive actions his grandfather took, such as providing shelter to those evading forced labor. Nevertheless, the available documents cast shadows on their family's past, causing strains and stirring up painful memories.
The launch of the CABR register has proved to be quite popular. According to official reports, the dedicated website saw almost 176,000 visits within hours of its release, with about 900,000 name searches conducted by users hopeful for insights. Following the outpouring of interest, many individuals expressed the need for emotional support as they navigated their newfound knowledge.
"This is more than just names—it’s about unraveling painful stories and histories,” observed historian Sandra Sacher from the National Archive. She emphasized the importance of sensitivity when delving through these records, as many families still harbor traumas linked to the complicated choices made during the war.
The archive sheds light on individuals ranging from war criminals to those who were later exonerated. A significant number of the people listed—an estimated 228,000—were never charged, and roughly 71,000 cases were left unresolved, either due to death or other factors. This raises questions about the straightforward categorization of individuals as either heroes or traitors.
Critically, the release and accessibility of such sensitive records have prompted discussions about privacy and ethics. Initially, the National Archive intended to make the documents digitized and openly searchable. Still, privacy concerns raised by the Personal Data Authority (AP) halted those plans, leading to the current system where physical access is required for document reviews. This has resulted in overwhelming demand for appointments at the National Archive, with reservations fully booked through February.
Despite these complications, the initiative does represent progress toward reckoning with the nation’s collaborative past. For many families like Rinke and Pieter, accessing these historical documents opens up paths to confronting uncomfortable truths and potentially healing generational wounds.
The emotional stakes are high for many who seek to unearth the truth about their ancestors. Rinke Smedinga articulated his determination: "To understand our past, whether shameful or noble, is part of claiming our identity. We cannot simply forget these aspects of history."
Interestingly, the archives do not solely reflect individual actions but are also indicative of high societal tensions during the war years. Accessing these histories not only shapes individual identities but also serves as a reminder of the Netherlands' broader struggle with collaboration and resistance during the Nazi occupation.
This opening may very well serve as the first of many conversations for families across the Netherlands, prompting dialogue around difficult subjects of guilt, accountability, and reconciliation as each individual reads through family histories intertwined with national narratives.