Frederika Duis, also known as Freddy, ran a textile business belonging to the Plotske firm, in Amsterdam’s Kinkerstraat. In the 1930s she often sang with a dance band on Saturday nights after the shop closed. She sang American popular music in a fine alto voice. She also liked classic music. Ludwig van Beethoven was her favorite.
Frederika Duis was a fervent Zionist. She had a dream of someday going to Eretz Israel (then Palestine) to help build up the country.
In October 1942, Frederika Duis went into hiding. On her way from one hiding place to another, she was arrested during an ID check at Amsterdam’s Central Station by the Grüne Polizei.
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For additional information see:
J. Stegeman, Hiernaast zijn ze weggehaald. Vervolging en verzet in de Rivierenbuurt, 1937-1945 (Amsterdam 1985)