Klaartje Walvisch was a daughter of Barend Walvisch and Mietje Breemer.
Stadsarchief Amsterdam, archiefkaart Barend Walvisch
During the war Klaartje and her husband decided not to go into hiding. In March 1943 they were arrested at home. On that day Klaartje decided to start a diary. She wrote in detail about her stay in the Hollandsche Schouwburg and in Vught concentration camp. On 4 July 1943 her diary ends. Less than two weeks later she was killed in Sobibor.
On the day Klaartje de Zwarte-Walvisch was put on transport her brother-in-law stood by her. He described their farewell as follows:
‘Klaar, just brought her to the train. Did everything possible to make her comfortable. She had a firm attitude, to be admired. One from many I saw leave from here. Even though she was very alone, she manages just fine. Our table was very touched, because she has been very sweet for everyone’.
Joods Historisch Museum, Documentencollectie inv. nr. 00009720 en 00012789
See for more information: K. de Zwarte-Walvisch, Alles ging aan flarden. Het oorlogsdagboek van Klaartje de Zwarte-Walvisch. Text delivered by Ariane Zwiers. With an introduction of Ad van Liempt (Amsterdam 2009).