From the Netherlands to Cuba: The Solidarity of a Photographer Who Knows No Borders.
Gerard Van Der Sluijs, a father of two and owner of a dog, embarks on this journey with a heart full of a desire to contribute. His gesture demonstrates that, sometimes, solidarity travels farther than any airplane.
The story of Gerard Van Der Sluijs, a 59-year-old Dutch professional photographer and bus driver, began circulating on social media. His name jumped from the Netherlands to Cuba when he shared a gesture born of empathy: turning his vacation into a charitable act.
Before the interview begins, he clarifies that he’s not a hero, just an ordinary Dutchman, a hard worker who wants to offer his help to the victims of Hurricane Melissa in eastern Cuba.
Gerard will arrive on the island on December 17th, his first trip outside of Europe. He’ll be carrying not only hope but also donations he’s collected himself: medical supplies, school materials, clothing, and other items he plans to deliver to communities affected by the hurricane.
His connection to Cuba began when he worked as a conductor for the Soy de Cuba orchestra during a tour in the Netherlands. “They were very kind people. They told me that one day I should visit Cuba,” he recalls. That encounter sparked a curiosity that now, with this trip, has become a commitment.
When Hurricane Melissa hit the country, Gerard felt he couldn’t simply enjoy three weeks at the beach while others grappled with the loss. “I had to do something,” he confesses.
He tried to raise funds through GoFundMe, but his campaign was canceled due to restrictions related to US sanctions. Far from being discouraged, he started a local project: he printed posters, spoke with a journalist, and went out into the streets to ask for help “not as a company, just as an individual.” The response, he says, was surprisingly humane: many hands extended to help people they didn’t even know.
“I want to take everything I can to Cuba and do something useful,” he says. He also sends a message to Cubans: “Stay strong. You have weathered worse storms. There are people in the world who are thinking of you and want to support you.”
Van Der Sluijs, a father of two and owner of a dog, is embarking on this journey with a heart full of the desire to contribute. His gesture demonstrates that, sometimes, solidarity travels farther than any airplane.
Written by Yunielys Mliner Isasi.
