RAAK ME NIET AAN ! Rizal’s Noli Me Tángere in Dutch
THE HAGUE 05 July 2019 – In a fitting tribute to the 158th birth anniversary of Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Philppine Embassy in The Hague launched the Dutch language version of Rizal’s novel “Noli Me Tángere,” Raak me niet aan ! on 20 June 2019.
The book project received the support and encouragement of The Knights of Rizal (KoR), The Hague Chapter led by KoR Commander Sir Anton Lutter, following meetings in the second quarter of 2019 with Ambassador to the Netherlands Jaime Victor B. Ledda and the book’s writer-translator and publisher Gerard Arp.
The first Dutch translation of the book was published almost a hundred years ago in 1926. Special hard-bound editions of the book were printed especially for the KoR-The Hague Chapter. A copy was presented to the Mistress of the Robes of the Dutch Royal Household during the book launch at the Philippine Independence Day Reception that same day.
Described as a story about faith, hope and love in a time of oppression, the book’s Dutch version forms part of the novel’s continuing significance amidst the world’s varied socio-cultural and political challenges to maintain peace, security and prosperity. END
Gerard Arp and Norma Arp with Ambassador to the Netherlands Jaime Victor B. Ledda and Madame Gina Ledda at the book launch on 20 June 2019. (The Hague PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.thehaguepe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinTheNetherlands/.