Foundation
The Soviet War Cemetery Foundation is a humanitarian organization without a political agenda. We guarantee our neutrality and humanitarian ideals.
What do we do as a Foundation?
The Foundation identifies the victims of the Second World War who are buried at the Soviet War Cemetery in Leusden, tracks down their relatives who are still unaware of their whereabouts and organises grave visits for these family members. We not only connect family members with their lost fathers, grandfathers and uncles, but also the past with the present, young with old, and different nationalities, religions and cultures.
We are increasingly focused on telling the stories behind the gravestones: stories of personal war suffering and the deep wounds that decades of missing in action have left in families. The ultimate place to bring these stories to life is our museum, which will open its doors on March 8, 2025.
As a foundation, we also want to contribute to a colorful and solid society where there is room and understanding for uniqueness, where the sum of the parts connects. The Soviet War Cemetery is an excellent place where excellent conversations take place. In all the activities that we organize, you will encounter the same elements: cooperation, sincere interest and the willingness to learn from and to listen to each other.
We are a cultural ANBI (public benefit organization) recognized by the Dutch government. The Soviet War Cemetery Foundation is registered with the Chamber of Commerce Gooi-, Eem- en Flevoland under number 32167973 (RSIN: 8219.76.175).
Objectives
The Foundation aims to:
- maintain and improve the Soviet War Cemetery, cultural-historical heritage in the municipality of Leusden
- to investigate the fate of the 865 war dead from the former Soviet Union who are buried at the Soviet War Cemetery in Leusden
- to locate their relatives
- to enable relatives to visit the grave
- to keep the memory of the soldiers alive through meetings (such as commemorations, lectures and guided tours), museum, audiovisual and digital presentations, publications and other projects
- to increase historical awareness and foster greater understanding of the enormous sacrifices made by the population of the various former Soviet republics during the Second World War
- to reach and involve more young people in the various projects
The organisation
The Soviet War Cemetery Foundation has more than 80 permanent volunteers. If you would also like to do volunteer work, we would be happy to discuss a suitable form of cooperation with you. Click here for more information.
The director of the Foundation is Mr. R. (Remco) Reiding BJ.
The board of the Foundation consists of:
– Mr. R.M.A. (Rogier) Rijkers, chairman
– Mr. R.J. (Ruud) van Heel, treasurer
– Mr. J.C. (Jerke) Verschoor, MA, secretary
– Mrs. N.J. (Nadia) van der Meer, board member
– Mr. P.C. (Coen) Wilders PhD, board member
Remuneration policy: unpaid directors
Honorary chairman: A.J.M. (Alex) Engbers
Advisory Board
In addition, the Soviet Ereveld Foundation has an Advisory Board for the Soviet War Cemetery Experience, consisting of:
– Mr. E. (Erik) van den Dungen MA, Director of the Overloon War Museum
– Mrs. E.S. (Els) van Eijck van Heslinga PhD, Chair of the Board of the Museum Register of the Netherlands
– Mrs. Y.A. (Yvonne) van Genugten MA, Director of the Dutch East Indies Remembrance Centre
Confidential contact person
The Soviet War Cemetery Foundation has appointed Jan-Willem van Lieshout as confidential contact person to whom volunteers can turn in case of inappropriate behavior. Jan-Willem can be reached via vanlieshout@xs4all.nl and 06-21216566.
Contact details
You can find our contact details here.
Documents
Here you will find:
The completed standard publication obligation form ANBI General.