 Hans Spoelstra, humanitarian worker, musician, leftist in the noblest and purest sense, passed away on Thursday, August 6. Dutch by birth, citizen of Berlin until his last day, our Hans, as we used to call him, was a friend and associate of Jelena Šantić and Group 484 since the beginning. In Berlin, he founded Group 485 – an organisation which supported us and with which we worked with great joy and enthusiasm. Not only did Hans bring humanitarian help from Berlin to Belgrade, but organised Group 485 activists’ visits here and hosted our volunteers in Berlin. For many of them that was one of the most important life experiences. Owing to his efforts, a Berlin park was named after Jelena Šantić. We also fondly remember that he was with us when Jelena Šantić park in Belgrade was opened. The love and energy Hans Spoelstra showed every time he visited us in Belgrade, made him an example for everyone. By his actions and approach he would inadvertently set a model for others as to how to approach human relationships and even job requirements. We will remember Hans, together with Jelena – with great sadness, as they are no longer with us, but also with pride – because it was them who set up ethical, political and professional standards of Group 484.
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