Rosa de Jong preserves Jewish history in Suriname with 100,000 digitized documents

In April, significant damage occurred to historic buildings in Suriname's capital, Paramaribo, due to a fire. During the blaze, volunteers at the nearby Neveh Shalom Synagogue worked tirelessly to digitize a substantial archive of documents detailing the Jewish community's history dating back to the 1700s. The effort led by Rosa de Jong aims to safeguard these documents from threats such as the tropical climate and time. The project has resulted in over 600 gigabytes of data preserved on hard drives, highlighting Suriname as a crucial refuge for Jewish people fleeing persecution during historical conflicts, including World War II. The archived materials include vital records, land sales, and correspondence that illustrate the richness of Jewish life in Suriname, emphasizing its role as a safe haven for many fleeing oppressive regimes. Notably, on Christmas Eve in 1942, more than 100 Dutch Jewish refugees arrived in Paramaribo, where they found solace and community. Liny Pajgin Yollick, one of the refugees, recalls the emotional welcome they received, illustrating the profound impact Suriname had during a tumultuous period in Jewish history. Key individuals like Lilly Duijm, who dedicated over two decades to the archive, underscore the significance of this preservation project. Duijm, born in Suriname and later a nurse in the Netherlands, expressed her deep connection to the archive, which is seen as a testament to the shared history of her people. The project represents a collective obligation to preserve the past for future generations, ensuring that the stories and experiences of Jewish individuals in Suriname are not forgotten. In conclusion, the digitization of these historical documents not only rescues them from potential loss due to environmental factors but also serves as a comprehensive safeguard for understanding the Jewish history in the Caribbean. This initiative bridges the gap between past and present, allowing both locals and visitors to recognize Suriname's unique position in the broader narrative of Jewish migration and resilience.