Background:

Hans Koolstra and his family were kidnapped in Yemen in 1999. He tells the Dutch radio program ‘Tijdsein’ about the release of his family. The exact date of the interview is not known but it was shortly after the interview of Cornelis Hulsman with Dr. Truus Wierdsma.

For more information please refer to the following tapes: 

• Dr. Truus Wierdsma on the kidnapping of the Koolstra family in Yemen:

http://www.arabwestreport.info/en/dr-truus-wierdsma-kidnapping-koolstra-...

• First telephone call of the Koolstra family after their release:

http://www.arabwestreport.info/en/first-telephone-call-koolstra-family-a...

• Hans Koolstra after his release in Yemen:

http://www.arabwestreport.info/en/hans-koolstra-after-his-release-yemen

• Minister of Information ʿAbd al-Raḥmān al-Aqwā on kidnappings of foreigners in Yemen I:

http://www.arabwestreport.info/en/minister-information-%CA%BFabd-al-ra%E...

• Minister of Information ʿAbd al-Raḥmān al-Aqwā on kidnappings of foreigners in Yemen II:

http://www.arabwestreport.info/en/minister-information-%CA%BFabd-al-ra%E...

Side A:

From the 23^rd minute on, the Dutch radio program Tijdsein reports on the Koolstra family who were kidnapped in Yemen. The Koolstras live in Yemen and even after their kidnapping, they will continue to stay in Yemen. Hans Koolstra says that kidnapping is common in the history of Yemen and refers to princes who were kidnapped in a very hospitable way. Hans Koolstra says they were kidnapped instead of the American ambassador. They describe the way they were kidnapped and their accommodation. Hans and Berta Koolstra had two children who were also kidnapped. They were six and seven years old at the time. The family was treated very well, the children even got presents.

Eventually, they were released. Just before they were released, Hans Koolstra heard why they were kidnapped. The brother of one of the kidnappers was in prison and accused of murder. The family was kidnapped so that a release of the brother could be negotiated. Berta Koolstra says she was comforted by their faith and the prayers of other Christians.