20 December 2021

In Memoriam 

Reviewing Ed van Thijn’s contribution to the First World Congress of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) in The Netherlands in 1992, ICMGLT Founder and Director, Dr. Yael Danieli, then ISTSS Past-President and International President of the Congress, has frequently cited the memorable theme of his speech, “We don’t live in the past. The past lives in us.”      Prolific writer Van Thijn wrote several books in his later career, starting with an account of the 1977 cabinet negotiations which lasted a then record 208 days. The PvdA was the largest party at that year’s general election with a record 53 seats, but ended up in opposition after the centre-right parties Christian Democrats and VVD agreed a coalition deal. Labour leader Lilianne Ploumen said Van Thijn was an ‘astute and conscientious social democrat’, adding: ‘Wise, respected and an unconditional campaigner for a robust democracy, against racism and injustice. We will miss him.’Femke Halsema, the current mayor of Amsterdam, said Van Thijn was ‘deeply loved by countless people who knew him’. ‘He left our city in a safer and more habitable state. We are still reaping the fruits of his efforts for businesses and Amsterdam’s reputation in the world.’ The city council is planning to open a book of condolence for Van Thijn.