door The Israelite Cemetery in Diemen, also known as the Jewish Cemetery Diemen, is far more than just a burial ground. It is a living monument that reflects the history, resilience, and traditions of the Jewish community in the Netherlands. Situated on the Oud Diemerlaan, this serene resting place forms a crucial part of the cultural heritage of Amsterdam and its surroundings.
Picture: lot 5755, Sheraton & Peel auction 23 August 2025
The establishment of the Jewish Cemetery in Diemen in 1914 was a direct response to a pressing issue: the Jewish cemetery in Amsterdam-Zeeburg, in use since 1714, had reached capacity. As early as 1907, the High German Jewish community of Amsterdam had decided to create a new cemetery in order to safeguard the continuity of Jewish burial rituals. This new location in Diemen provided the necessary space for the growing Jewish population in and around Amsterdam.
The cemetery was designed by architect E.M. Rood, who was responsible not only for the overall layout but also for the caretaker’s residence. The cemetery is strategically divided into different sections, such as Fields A, B, C, D, and the notable Field U. This layout contributes to the clarity and functionality of the site.
Divided by Railway Lines
In 1925, the cemetery underwent a significant change when the construction of a railway line — part of the ring railway around Amsterdam — cut off a portion of the grounds. This led to the isolation of the eastern field. To compensate and to allow Jewish burial rituals to continue, a metaheerhuis (a mourning or mortuary house) was built in 1931. This building, designed by the renowned architect Harry Elte, serves as a place where the deceased are ritually purified and prepared for burial according to Jewish customs.
A Momentous Reburial: Transfer from Zeeburg
One of the most significant events in the cemetery’s history was the large-scale transfer of graves. Between 1956 and 1957, no fewer than 28,000 remains were moved from the Jewish cemetery in Zeeburg to Diemen. This massive operation became necessary due to urban development in Amsterdam, including the construction of the Flevoweg. The relocation highlights the meticulous care with which the Jewish community treats its dead and ensures the continuity of their resting places.
A particularly poignant aspect of the Jewish Cemetery Diemen is the urn field in Field U. Here lie approximately 400 urns containing the ashes of Jews who were cremated at Camp Westerbork during the Holocaust. Cremation is highly unusual and generally prohibited in Judaism. However, the horrific conditions of the Second World War forced deviations from this tradition. The presence of these urns in Diemen stands as a powerful and painful reminder of the immense losses and brutality of the Holocaust. This specific section makes the cemetery an important site of remembrance.
A Listed National Monument with Accessible Facilities
The cemetery has been granted the status of a listed national monument (rijksmonument), recognising the historical and architectural value of the grounds and associated buildings, such as the metaheerhuis and caretaker’s residence. This designation means that the cemetery is protected heritage.
The cemetery is easily accessible for visitors and for genealogical research. It features paved paths and is wheelchair-friendly. Although burials still take place (on average around five per year), it is primarily a space for contemplation and remembrance, surrounded by a peaceful, green landscape with old trees.
This article was written entirely with the help of AI.
