Lecture: Iris de Graaf and her love for Russia

A fascinating lecture by the Volksuniversiteit is waiting for you in the main hall of the New Library. This time we welcome presenter and journalist Iris de Graaf. In her lecture, she talks about her experiences in Russia and how her love for the country arose.

About Iris de Graaf
Iris de Graaf (1991, Leeuwarden) is a familiar face to many as presenter of the NOS News. Before that, she worked for several years as a correspondent in Moscow, reporting almost daily for Nieuwsuur and the News. The war between Russia and Ukraine caused Iris, for her own safety, to have to leave her grandmother's country after all.

From early 2021 to spring 2023, Iris lived and worked in Moscow. She incorporated her experiences, observations and encounters into her book Vrijuit. Since her return, she shares her story during inspiring lectures, in which she talks about her time in Russia and how her love for the country and the language arose. In February 2026, Iris de Graaf is coming to The New Library. After her lecture, there will be an opportunity to ask questions and engage in conversation with her.

Incidentally, Iris de Graaf was named Language State Master in 2022 for her clear and nuanced use of language. She was also awarded Harper's Bazaar Woman of the Year. Through her work, she strives to bring the real news and show what is actually happening in Russia. Her courage, confidence, openness and commitment make her an inspiring example, according to Harper's Bazaar.