We are shocked by the Hamas terrorist attack on Israeli civilians that took place on October 7, during the holiday of Simchat Torah. We grieve the loss of so many innocent people, young and old, many of whom were visiting Israel from different corners of the world, including the United States. And we grieve the loss of innocent lives that continues to take place.

As an organization with a mission to honor the memory of Anne Frank through education, we understand the dangers of propaganda and dehumanization, weapons that the Nazis used to murder two-thirds of the Jewish population of Europe.

In the days since the attack on Israel, we have seen celebrations blaming the victims. We are appalled by this rampant dehumanization of Israelis and Jews, which echoes loudly with the history of the Holocaust.

We remember Anne Frank’s struggle to understand why humans waged war, and we are inspired by her irrepressible belief in human goodness and gratitude for her helpers.

As she wrote on July 15, 1944:

It’s difficult in times like these: ideals, dreams and cherished hopes rise within us, only to be crushed by grim reality. It’s a wonder I haven’t abandoned all my ideals, they seem so absurd and impractical. Yet I cling to them because I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart.

Our founder, Otto Frank, dreamed that the world’s youth would join together to strive for peace. Anne Frank Center USA works to achieve his vision. In light of recent events, we reaffirm our commitment to education and mutual understanding for the next generation.