A Glimpse into Our History:
In the year 1910, an act of profound compassion sparked the foundation of the Clara Mendes Foundation. Michael Mendes, esteemed owner of the renowned Dutch Bank “Mendes-Gans,” dedicatedly contributed 331,000 Dutch Guilders (worth 150000 euros nowadays) to support ill Jewish children from impoverished families. Inspired by the desire to make a meaningful impact, he heeded the advice to build a seaside sanatorium specifically for children suffering from Tuberculosis.
The dream of the sanatorium became a reality in 1911 and was lovingly named “Kinderhospitium Clara Stichting” after Mr. Mendes’ beloved mother, Clara. The noble mission of the sanatorium was to provide care and solace primarily to underprivileged Jewish children. However, in the spirit of inclusivity, non-Jewish patients were also welcomed. The sanatorium blossomed as a sanctuary of hope and love where young souls found solace and the opportunity to heal both physically and emotionally.
Yet, as the years unfolded, the Clara Mendes Foundation faced its share of challenges, including significant losses by 1922 due to Russian and Hungarian assets and the escalating costs of treatments.
The arrival of World War II brought unprecedented hardships, forcing the Foundation to pay the occupying Germans to support Jewish fugitives in Germany. In 1942, all Jewish and Christian personnel were compelled to leave, and a non-Jewish committee assumed responsibility for the Foundation. Subsequently, all patients were relocated to a farm, and the cherished building was subject to ruthless looting.
Post-war, Jewish committees fervently sought to preserve the building and secure sponsorships for the children under their care. Yet, with only a few Jewish children remaining, the task proved insurmountable. And so, the remaining beds were rented to St. Elisabeth Gasthuis, a hospital in Haarlem.
Despite these hurdles, the Clara Mendes Foundation valiantly navigated through treacherous times and displayed unwavering resilience. The foundation celebrated remarkable milestones, including the 25-year anniversary and its 100-year jubilee.
Today, the foundation has redirected its focus toward sponsoring mainly Jewish children or adolescents with special needs in Israel, with a deep commitment to addressing both physical and psychological needs. In keeping with the foundation’s legacy, we also support projects that are inclusive of non-Jewish children. Generous contributions were channeled into projects such as funding dental care for severely mentally and physically disabled children and creating a children’s zoo in the North of Israel, specially designed for severely disabled children.