Hilbrand Gils
| Geslacht: | Man | |
| Vader: | Harm Gils | |
| Moeder: | Lammigje Reinink | |
| Geboren: | 11 MRT 1904 | Holthe, Beilen |
| Overleden: | 13 Dec 1988 | |
| Beroep: | landbouwer | |
| Aantekeningen: | Last Name: Gils First Name: Hilbrand Date of Birth: 11/03/1904 Date of death: 13/12/1988 Rescuer's fate: survived Nationality: THE NETHERLANDS Religion: CALVINIST Gender: Male Place during the war: Holthe, Drenthe, The Netherlands Rescue Place: Holthe, Drenthe, The Netherlands Rescue mode: Hiding File number: File from the Collection of the Righteous Among the Nations Department (M.31.2/1854) Hilbrand and Trijntje Gils lived with their three children on a farm in the small village of Holthe (Drenthe). In 1942, when the situation of the Jews had become intolerable, they felt compelled to assist those in need. Hilbrand and Trijntje were devout Calvinists for whom it was natural to offer assistance. On August 16 of that year, Levie Vos, a 22-year-old man, found refuge on their farm. Levie remained there until the liberation. On January 15, 1943, Levies father, Aron, arrived at the Gilses front door in need of a place to stay. He too was welcomed into their home and sheltered there until the liberation. The risks Hilbrand and Trijntje took by sheltering these two men were immense; their children (aged three, five, and seven) had to be trained and then trusted not to mention the lodgers to anyone. On January 16, 1943, during a night raid aiming to fish out fugitives, the Germans surrounded the farm. Fortunately, Hilbrand, Levie, and Aron all managed to escape. Over and above the help given to Levie and Aron, Hilbrand and Trijntje also assisted many other people who were on the run. They offered temporary shelter to an Allied pilot who had been shot out of the sky, to a Jewish girl, and to a local physician who was suspected of anti-German activities, as well as to several others. Hilbrand and Trijntje never expected payment for the help they extended to people in need. On June 26, 1980, Yad Vashem recognized Hilbrand Gils and his wife, Trijntje Gils-Ennema, as Righteous Among the Nations. |
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Gezin 1
| Huwelijkspartner: | Trijntje Ennema | geb. 12 Nov 1909 overl. 22 Aug 1996 |
| Huwelijk: | 6 MEI 1936 | Bedum |