The links to the topic of freedom is what makes the university special to me. There has been much talk about freedom lately. In Leiden, people soon think of law dean Rudolph Cleveringa. After his protest speech against the dismissal of Jewish colleagues, Cleveringa was 'granted' a stay at Oranjehotel, the nickname for the prison in Scheveningen. My grandfather ended up there two years later and was assigned to cell 493. The text on the wall at that time can be admired in the current museum: 'Laugh it away. Life is always a poem, written by God.' Visit Oranjehotel during our anniversary year, and keep smiling!
Photo: Arjan de Jager
