Andries de Jong attended the academy for physical education in Amsterdam. From 1915 onward he taught physical education at various schools in Amsterdam. In 1922 he obtained a temporary appointment at the municipal higher secondary school in Hilversum to replace a teacher who was ill. In 1932 the school granted him a permanent, full-time appointment.
In the interview Ploeger writes about Andries de Jong: "He managed to cultivate appreciation for his occupation as well. The teachers formed a gymnastics club, where he taught after school for years. (...) I will share the following anecdote with you. Once a new student enrolled in the school in the middle of the year. This chap was tall, strong and agile. One day he challenged Mr. de Jong to wrestle with him. The chap did not know that Mr. de Jong was an exceptionally strong and adept wrestler, who had even written a manual about wrestling. Mr. De Jong accepted the challenge and asked whether Freddie (his challenger) preferred to be deposed at the piano or the parallel bars. He could take his pick. 'At the piano,' was the response. One minute later, Freddie was indeed lying next to the piano. Understandably, Mr. De Jong's prestige grew still higher."
Andries de Jong served for years on the board of examiners for the certificate in teaching physical education at secondary schools.
On 15 May 1940 he made an unsuccessful escape attempt with his wife and son via IJmuiden. On 22 November 1940 he was relieved of his duties because he was Jewish, and on 1 March 1941 he was dismissed from his position. When Jewish students were expelled from state schools, and primary schools, a secondary modern and a Jewish comprehensive school were opened for Jewish students in Hilversum. Andries de Jong taught physical education at those schools.
Andries de Jong, his wife and their three-year old child went into hiding. Andries de Jong and his wife were caught and deported to Sobibor via Westerbork.
J.L. Ploeger, 'A. de Jong' , Jubileumnummer 60 jaar HBS 1903-1963 (Hilversum z.d., ongepagineerd)
Biography