Corrie Ten Boom

Corrie ten Boom (1892-1983) was a Dutch Christian writer and Holocaust survivor, best known for her courage and faith during World War II. Born into a devout Christian family in Haarlem, Netherlands, she grew up with a strong sense of social justice and compassion for those in need. Corrie worked as a watchmaker alongside her father and sister, Betsie, in the family business, but her life took a dramatic turn when the Nazis invaded the Netherlands in 1940.

As the Nazi regime began to persecute Jews, Corrie and her family became active in the Dutch resistance. They secretly hid Jewish refugees in their home, creating a hidden room to protect them from arrest. In 1944, the Ten Boom family was betrayed, and Corrie, her father, and her sister were arrested by the Gestapo. Her father died shortly after the arrest, and Corrie and Betsie were sent to the Ravensbrück concentration camp in Germany. Despite the horrors they faced, both women maintained their faith and often shared words of hope and encouragement with fellow prisoners.

After the war, Corrie was released due to a clerical error, and she dedicated her life to sharing her story and spreading a message of forgiveness, love, and healing. She wrote the memoir The Hiding Place, which has since been translated into numerous languages and inspired generations. Corrie traveled worldwide, speaking about her experiences and promoting Christian reconciliation. She also founded the Corrie ten Boom Foundation, which supports ministries dedicated to helping the marginalized and persecuted.

Corrie ten Boom’s legacy as a symbol of courage, faith, and forgiveness continues to inspire people around the world. Her life is a testament to the power of hope even in the darkest times.