Chana (Hendrika) Broer from Vught, the Netherlands was born in 1934 to a Protestant father, Jan, and a Jewish mother, Theresia-Bertha. During the war, Jan hid his wife and children in their home, thus ensuring their survival. Jan didn't stop at saving his family; in 1943 he joined the Dutch underground and was active in saving other Jews. In addition to his underground work, he took the risk of hiding the Stads – Theresia-Bertha 's cousin and her husband, in the attic of the family home.
Nine-year-old Chana didn't know that her cousins were hiding in the attic. She was not allowed to leave the house and from time to time she would search for the puzzle she had received as a birthday present, but she could never find it. Unbeknownst to her, Theresia-Bertha had given the Stads the puzzle to keep them busy and ease their boredom during the long hours in hiding.
Jan Broer was later recognized as a Righteous Among the Nations.
Yad Vashem Artifacts Collection
Donated by Chana Dotan (Broer), Herzliya, Israel