On Tuesday, the 15th of April 2025, Arjan Erkel will give an inspiring lecture regarding 80 years of freedom. This lecture will take place at Middelburg Town Hall (Market), and will commence at 19:30. The lecture is organized by the municipality of Middelburg in collaboration with the Province of Zeeland, Four Freedoms Door Het Jaar Heen, en Bevrijdingsfestival Zeeland
In 2002, Arjan Erkel unwillingly became a national celebrity when he was kidnapped during a work trip for Doctors Without Borders to the Republic of Dagestan. It would take 607 days before he was released on the 11th of April 2004. Today, Arjan is known as an author, entrepreneur, politician, and public speaker. On the 15th of April, he will travel to Middelburg to tell the tale of his capture and life after, focusing mostly on the positive lessons of his capture and how he learned to use these troubling experiences in his day-to-day life.
The lecture will start at 19:30, with doors opening at 19:00. Entry is free of charge, but due to limited availability, attendees will have to register via: kabinet@middelburg.nl. (Please not that this lecture will be given in dutch)
