haarlemsdagbladFeb 21, 2026, 06:01

Ukrainian Julia Vodolazska bought a house in Hoorn: ‘This is the first year we feel a bit stable’

Julia Vodolazska and her family fled the Russian invasion of Ukraine and settled in Hoorn, Netherlands, where they both secured permanent employment and purchased a home. Despite their relatively smooth transition, the family notes that it took two years to finally achieve a sense of stability and feel at home in their new community.

Lifestyle Haarlem Netherlands World

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Based on reporting by haarlemsdagblad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Many students attend Pink Breakfast in Haarlem, but: "Purple Friday is under pressure"

On Purple Friday, students wore purple to support the LGBTI+ community, with a well-attended Pink Breakfast held at the Haarlem city hall. However, recent data shows a notable decrease in the acceptance of homosexuality among young people, and school organizers report that the day is facing increased pressure and scheduling difficulties.

Brazilians (22 and 23) who used extreme violence to rob men met via Grindr are now in the Netherlands

Two Brazilian men, aged 22 and 23, have been extradited from Portugal to the Netherlands to face charges for a series of violent robberies in Amsterdam and Haarlem. The suspects allegedly lured victims via the dating app Grindr alongside an accomplice who has already received a ten-year prison sentence.

Long wait times at Schiphol due to electronic passport control failure

Schiphol Airport is facing significant passenger delays after a technical failure incapacitated its automated eGate passport control system on Sunday morning. Royal Netherlands Marechaussee officers are currently conducting manual checks as they investigate the cause of the malfunction, which is not believed to be a cyberattack.

Don't get angry! Here's what's happening during National Games Week in Haarlem

Haarlem is hosting the National Board Game Week from October 26 to November 1 to encourage social interaction through tabletop games. Residents of all skill levels are invited to participate in various activities at locations like the Teylers Museum and the youth center @ease.

Water board warns: North Holland not well prepared for rising sea levels

Water board official Bea de Buisonjé warns that North Holland is ill-prepared for rising sea levels, noting that traditional technical solutions are no longer sufficient. Authorities are calling for increased water storage capacity and improved flood-resilient urban planning to protect vulnerable areas.