Betsie ten Boom facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Betsie ten Boom
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| Born | 19 August 1885 Amsterdam, Netherlands
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| Died | 16 December 1944 (aged 59) Ravensbrück concentration camp, Germany
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| Resting place | Ravensbrück concentration camp, Germany |
| Nationality | Dutch |
| Education | Through local secondary school |
| Occupation | Bookkeeper, homemaker |
| Employer | Casper ten Boom |
| Known for | Righteous Among the Nations, The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom |
| Height | 5.28215 ft (161.000 cm) |
| Parent(s) | Casper ten Boom Cornelia Luitingh |
| Relatives | Corrie ten Boom (sister) |
Elisabeth "Betsie" ten Boom (born August 19, 1885 – died December 16, 1944) was a brave Dutch woman. She was the daughter of a watchmaker. Betsie faced many challenges during World War II under the Nazi rule. She was held in the Ravensbrück concentration camp in Germany, where she passed away at age 59.
Betsie is a main character in The Hiding Place. This famous book was written by her younger sister, Corrie ten Boom. It tells the amazing story of their family's experiences during the war. Betsie had a health condition called pernicious anemia since birth. She was the oldest of four Ten Boom children. Betsie chose to stay home and help her family instead of marrying. She is honored as a Righteous Among the Nations for her courage.
Contents
Betsie's Early Life and Health
Betsie ten Boom had a health condition called pernicious anemia. This condition affected her body's ability to make healthy blood cells. Because of this, she knew from a young age that she would not be able to have children. So, she decided not to marry.
Working and Learning
Betsie ten Boom went to school until she was 15 years old. After school, she stayed home to work with her father. Her father owned a watch shop. Betsie helped him by keeping the business records. She was also the family's cook.
Later, her younger sister Corrie took over the bookkeeping. This happened when Betsie became sick with influenza. After that, Betsie focused on managing the household. She continued to do this until she was arrested by the Nazis.
Helping Others During World War II
The ten Boom family belonged to the Dutch Reformed Church. They strongly believed that all people are equal in God's eyes. Betsie's brother, Willem, was a minister. Betsie and her sisters, Nollie and Corrie, had always helped people in need.
When the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands began, the family started to hide many Jewish people and others who resisted the Nazis. They even built a secret room in their home to keep them safe.
Arrest and Imprisonment
In 1944, the ten Boom family and about 30 other people in their house were arrested. They were taken to Scheveningen prison for their resistance activities. The six Jewish people hiding in the house were not found. They all survived thanks to other Resistance workers.
Sadly, Betsie's father, Casper ten Boom, became ill and died in prison ten days later. Betsie's brother Willem, her sister Nollie, and a nephew were later released.
In June 1944, Betsie ten Boom and her sister Corrie were sent to Ravensbrück concentration camp. Betsie's strong faith in God helped her stay hopeful. She never gave up, even in the difficult camp conditions. Corrie shared how Betsie always tried to help others. Betsie also helped Corrie see the good in every situation, no matter how bad things seemed.
Betsie's Visions and Legacy
Before she died, Betsie told Corrie about three visions she believed she received from God. These visions were about what she and Corrie should do after they were released.
- Her first vision was about a house for people who had been prisoners.
- The second vision was about owning a concentration camp. There, they would teach Germans how to love again.
- The third vision was that they would be set free before the New Year.
All three of these visions came true. Betsie ten Boom passed away in Ravensbrück on December 16, 1944, at 59 years old. Her sister Corrie was released by mistake. Corrie then worked to make Betsie's visions happen. She traveled the world, sharing her faith and their story.
In 2008, Betsie and her father, Casper, were honored by the country of Israel. They were recognized as Righteous Among the Nations. This special title is given to non-Jewish people who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust. Corrie had received this honor earlier.
