Monument of Tolerance: Honoring Peter R. de Vries on Leidseplein

Last week, I had a free morning to spend in downtown Amsterdam. The weather was misty, with no sign of clearing up before noon when I had to leave, so instead of postcard-perfect shots, I decided to go exploring. I set out from my hotel looking for something unique and ended up on the Leidseplein, where I stumbled upon this statue. Although I visit Amsterdam often, I’d never seen this piece before—probably because I rarely get the chance to wander around the city, especially on the Leidseplein. The statue, featuring two hands, is a bronze memorial dedicated to journalist Peter R. de Vries, who lost his life in 2021 due to his investigative work. Unveiled in 2024 as the "Monument of Tolerance," it symbolizes the values of freedom and tolerance, celebrating de Vries's legacy in the fight for justice. It stands as a reminder of the resilience and commitment to truth held by journalists in the face of adversity – Amsterdam, the Netherlands