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1996

From 1975 the barracks fell into disrepair and in 1977 the City of Mechelen once again took over the ownership from the state. In the 80’s it was decided to transform the building into residential accommodation.

To this end modern flats have been constructed. A garden has been created in the quad above and underground parking for residents. The west wing has been reserved for the archives of the City of Mechelen. The Kazerne Dossin is now known as Hof van Habsburg, a reference to the Habsburgers who built the original complex and the  peaceful atmosphere that now prevails within the walls of the old barracks.

© Phile Deprez

Also at this time a number of organisations and individuals came forward in an attempt to conserve part of the kazerne, albeit  small,  for the foundation of a museum. Two of the most important campaigners were the Vereeniging voor Joodse Weggevoerden in Belgie (Association of Jewish Deportees in Belgium) and the Centraal Israëlitisch Consistorie van Belgie (CICB)(Central Israeli Consistory of Belgium).

The Province of Antwerp, the City of Mechelen and the Flemish Executive whole heartedly supported this request and  financed the purchase of the cellars and the right wing of the Hof van Habsburg. The CICB supported the formation of a committee charged with giving the museum a concrete form. Nathan Ramet, a camp survivor, was appointed chairman.

On 20th September 1992 the first stone of the new museum was laid by Luc Van den Brande, the then  Flemish Minister-President. On 7th May 1995 the museum was officially inaugurated by H.M. Albert II,  King of the Belgians. On 11th November of that year the doors were opened to the public.

The Jewish Museum for Deportation and Resistance (JMDR) is one of the very few museums in Europe that is to be found on the same place as the tragic events to which the Jews succumbed during WW II. In the first place the JMDR was to become an historical museum but equally important it has taken on an educational role. Furthermore it is a memorial and a warning to all of us never to forget the events of the past.

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