 In 1936 and 1937 he was a frequent guest of Jaap Hemelrijk and his family, in Bergen, where he met graphic artist Fré Cohen and painters Leo Gestel, Charley Toorop and Matthieu Wiegman associated with the Bergen School.His interest in zionism increased and he accepted a commission to paint a portrait of Theodor Herzl.In spite of growing recognition van Dam had a difficult time earning a living as an artist.