Amid surge of antisemitism, Anne Frank exhibition in NY to give away 10,000 copies of her diary in honor of her birthday

Some books are so good that people want to foot the bill and give them away for free. This summer, United Jewish Appeal (UJA) and Bank of America will give away 10,000 copies of ”Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl” on June 12 to commemorate what would have been her 96th birthday, at the New York exhibition in her name. 

The personal diary of the Jewish teenager, written during the Holocaust, has become one of the most widely translated books in the world. In an intimate yet powerful way, the real life experience of an innocent girl having to hide from the Nazis helps connect people to the horrors of the Holocaust. It is not only compelling but educational, and carries a much-needed message at a time when antisemitism is rising in a manner disturbingly reminiscent of the Third Reich.

The book distribution initiative, entitled “Summer of Reflection: The Legacy of Anne Frank,” aims to reach young readers in particular, keeping Anne’s story accessible for future generations amid a climate of rising hostility toward Israel and increasing antisemitism.

“Anne Frank’s diary is not just a historical document; it is a beacon of hope and a call to action,” said Ronald Leopold, executive director of the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, the organizer of the exhibition in New York. 

“Her words inspire us to confront injustice and to promote tolerance and human dignity. By distributing thousands of copies of her diary and expanding access to the exhibition, we are reaffirming our commitment to education and remembrance,” Leopold said.

“It is vital that Anne’s message reaches as many people as possible, especially in today’s world where antisemitism and group hatred is on the rise and the lessons of history must never be forgotten. It is what her father, Otto Frank, sought to achieve in his dedicated and courageous pursuit of the Diary’s publication.”

Anne Frank: The Exhibition offers an immersive experience with a full-scale recreation of the Annex rooms, fully furnished, where Anne Frank, her parents and sister, and four other Jews, hid for two years to evade Nazi capture. It is the first time such an exhibition has been made available apart from her home in Amsterdam, where the events happened. The organizers have endeavored to present Anne Frank not as a victim but as a girl, a writer, and a symbol of resilience and strength. 

The multi-sensory experience presents Anne’s early years during the rise of the Nazi regime, her arrest in Amsterdam and deportation to Westerbork, then to Auschwitz-Birkenau, and ultimately to her death at Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in Germany when she was 15 years old.

“Anne Frank’s diary gives voice to the hopes and fears of a young girl facing unimaginable hatred – and that voice still speaks powerfully to young people today,” said Eric S. Goldstein, CEO, UJA-Federation of New York.

“By helping to put this book directly into the hands of New York City students, we’re giving them the opportunity to connect personally with Anne’s story, reflect on the consequences of hatred, and understand the possibility of resilience and the human spirit. Particularly now, at a time of sharply rising hatred targeting the Jewish community, our hope is that young readers will be inspired to stand up to hate, to find courage in the face of adversity, and to believe in the power of their own voices,” he added.

Batches of free tickets to the exhibition have been made available for students and others, and copies of the diary will also be donated to libraries and schools to ensure her story remains available for all to read. 

“In the face of rising antisemitism around the country and world, it is critical that we take steps across our city to combat hate and intolerance,” said New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos.

“Anne Frank’s story is one of hope, humanity, and courage, and it belongs in our classrooms and in our communities as a key part of this work. I am confident that the distribution of 10,000 copies of her diary will leave a lasting impact on our young people, just as it did on my own students when I was a high school English teacher,” Aviles-Ramos added.

President of the Center for Jewish History, Dr. Gavriel Rosenfeld, stated: “Anne’s story is a powerful mirror reflecting the dangers of antisemitism and hatred that persist in our world. Her words compel us to confront bigotry with humanity and to replace silence with courage.”

Back on March 29, 1944, Anne Frank wrote, “Imagine how interesting it would be if I published a novel about Secret Annex.” When Anne’s diary was found and her father made the brave decision to publish it, he said, “How proud Anne would have been if she had lived to see this.”

Free admission to Anne Frank: The Exhibition will be offered on Friday, June 13, at the Center for Jewish History in Union Square, from 2:45 p.m. to 5 p.m.