Queen Maxima of the Netherlands presented the Czech Republic with the Bell of Freedom on Thursday, a powerful symbol of solidarity with Ukraine. The bell was made using fragments of Russian artillery shells and other weapons fired against Ukraine. It was crafted by the Dutch Royal Eijsbouts bell foundry.
Joost Eijsbouts, owner of the foundry, told Czech public radio that the bell holds deep symbolism. He said turning materials made for violence into something peaceful is a meaningful idea.
The Bell of Freedom will be placed in the tower of Prague’s Church of the Holy Saviour. It replaces an original bell that was taken by the Austro-Hungarian army during World War I and melted down to make weapons.
Both the Czech Republic and the Netherlands support Ukraine in its fight against Russian forces. The bell ceremony at the church was attended by Czech President Petr Pavel and his wife Eva. It was meant to be a key event during the Dutch royal couple’s visit to Prague.
However, King Willem-Alexander cut his trip short and returned to the Netherlands late Wednesday because of the collapse of the Dutch government.
