Meisjeshuis (Antwerp)

Meisjeshuis, a former children's home in Antwerp, Belgium, was established in 1876 and designed by architect Ernest Dieltiens. It housed around 400 orphans, divided into two departments for children over and under five years old. During World War II, the home became a tragic site for Jewish orphans, with many being arrested and deported. Notably, 39 Jewish orphans were present in September 1942, of whom only 13 survived the war due to courageous rescue efforts by caregivers and local Jewish communities. The building's history reflects both the resilience of its survivors and the dark realities of wartime persecution, making it a poignant site for visitors interested in history and humanitarian efforts.