On the afternoon of February 6th, a donation ceremony held by representatives of overseas Chinese in the Netherlands for the victims of the explosion in the Tarwekamp district of The Hague took place at the premises of the Hague-based aid foundation Lichtpuntjes van Mariahoeve. Chairman Huang Qilin of the Federation of Chinese Organizations in the Netherlands led representatives of Chinese community organizations in the Netherlands to attend the ceremony and presented a cheque of 45,500.00 euros to Ms. Naomi Barki-van Vliet, President of the Foundation. A full range of Dutch national mainstream media attended and covered the event, including NOS Journaal, De Telegraaf, Algemeen Nederlands Persbureau (ANP), Algemeen Dagblad (AD), Hart van Nederland, SBS 6, RTL Nieuws, Nu.nl, as well as local Hague media such as OmroepWest and Lokale TV (The Hague region). This is one of the rare concentrated positive reports on the Chinese community by Dutch media, serving as another testament to the integration of the Chinese community in the Netherlands  local society and their participation in community affairs.

Group photo of Chinese representatives attending the donation ceremony

Chairman Huang Qilin stated that after the Hague bombing, the Federation of Chinese Organizations in the Netherlands called on various Chinese associations to actively donate to help the affected people, which received an enthusiastic response from Chinese community groups and public-spirited individuals. Therefore, this donation was made in the name of overseas Chinese in the Netherlands. "We live in the Netherlands, which is our second hometown. As members of Dutch society, we have an unshirkable responsibility to step up," he said. "At the same time, we want Dutch society to see the kindness and enthusiasm of the Chinese community, and witness the contributions we make to the Netherlands."

At the request of Chairman Huang Qilin of the Federation of Chinese Organizations in the Netherlands after receiving the donations, President Zhang Tinghong contacted relevant Dutch authorities to finalize the donation arrangements, and eventually partnered with the Hague aid foundation Lichtpuntjes van Mariahoeve. "During our contact with them, I could clearly feel that the Dutch people are truly grateful to us, because we are helping not only our Chinese compatriots who lost their lives, but all victims," he said. "This is a very meaningful act, the result of the t efforts of all participating Chinese. We hope this donation will remind people not to forget the explosion and encourage more people to show kindness and care."

"This is wonderful. It is so needed. I am very grateful to the Chinese community for this kind gesture toward all those affected," said President Naomi. She added that the foundation had previously raised 654,000 euros. Combined with the 45,500 euros donated by the Chinese community in the Netherlands, the total amounts to nearly 700,000 euros, which will be divided  43 shares of 15,572.23 euros each for 43 affected families and property owners. The foundation will make every effort to complete the distribution this month."Everyone is experiencing grief and pain," she said.

During the donation event, President Zhang Tinghong and President Naomi were interviewed by multiple Dutch media outlets respectively to introduce the relevant situation. President Naomi repeatedly mentioned the Chinese community to the media, expressed gratitude for the donation, and gave highly positive comments.

“They (the Chinese community) believe it is also important to support all those affected in the neighborhood,” she told the Algemeen Nederlands Persbureau (ANP). “This is truly heartwarming.”

After the donation ceremony, reporters interviewed President Naomi specifically about her experience with the Chinese community. Before the explosion, she had no contact with the Chinese community except for visiting Chinese restaurants. After the incident, she saw Chinese faces among the relief workers.“They provided great help, offering tea and traditional Chinese medicine. The Chinese people are truly kind,” she said, with tears in her eyes as she spoke emotionally. When she heard that the Chinese community intended to donate a sum of money, her first reaction was “a huge surprise. The Chinese are incredibly kind and caring; it’s wonderful.” She also noted that “it is a very substantial amount.”When asked why so many Dutch media outlets came to cover the event, she honestly stated that besides attention to the aftermath of the explosion itself, the Chinese community was also one of the factors. Through this incident, she gained a deeper understanding of the Chinese community: warm‑hearted, caring, positive, helpful, full of positive energy, polite and respec.“The Chinese community has set an example for other communities,” Naomi said. In the end, she sincerely said “Thank you” in Chinese from the bottom of her heart.

On December 7, an explosion occurred in the Tarwekamp district of The Hague, causing several apartment buildings to collapse. The incident killed six people and affected many others. Among the victims were a Chinese family of three: a 45‑year‑old father, a 41‑year‑old mother, and a 17‑year‑old daughter. An 8‑year‑old son was the only survivor of the family. He and his aunt also attended the donation ceremony.

On January 24, Chairman Huang Qilin, together with several community leaders, visited the bereaved family of the Chinese victims and presented the funds raised by the Chinese community in the Netherlands.

Other community leaders attending the donation ceremony included Chen Long, Chen Guangping, Xiong Guoxiu, Xu Haiyan, Li Bin, Jin Dong, Ye Xiangfu, Wu Liqiao, Dong Lili, Shen Lifa, Zhang Dongxu and his wife, Xiang Aiqin, Zhang Aimin, Zhang Zhiwei, Zheng Miner, He Zhizhong, among others.

(Source of article and photos: Dutch United Times)