We are currently reading The Diary of Anne Frank. One item we were initally confused about was the fact that our reading series had placed this selection in the unit entitled “Survival.” We knew that Anne and her mother and sister had all perished in the concentration camps of Nazi Germany, so why place the portion of her diary in the “Survival” Unit? After much discussion we came to the conclusion that Anne had indeed survived, maybe not Anne herself, but her story. Her diary has been translated into something like thirty two different languages….her story is told across numerous countries and in many languages and it stands as a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and the resiliency of the human spirit.
Our discussion so far has blossomed into many different areas. We created a list noting how the Jews were segregated….they couldn’t ride the bus, go to the same school as German children, participate in public sports including swimming, they could only shop at markets which would accept Jewish customers……so many ways. We then searched our minds and were able to see that many of these same discrimination happened to African Americans and Japanese Americans.
Without Anne’s diary we probably would not understand fully the deep personal impact the segregation and hiding had on one little girl and ultimately a nation. Anne is a fine example of how one person really can make a difference even if they do not think they ever will. So remember everyone has the potential to positively impact the world, even through activities that may seem ordinary or mundane.
Hello Mrs. McKillop’s Class,
I’m looking forward to joining you in this important conversation. I did not read Anne Frank’s Diary until I was in middle school. Years later, I still have the same question as I had then: how could such a horrible event as the Holocaust have happened?
In diary of Anne Frank I dont think it they should have killed Jewish just because they had diffrent relion as Jermane. I thought was wrong and they put them in the consentrion camp then not feed them.Their dad was the only one in there family suirived I think.
In the story Diary Of Anne Frank Anne died where some of the people hid from the others who would take them away.I think it was sad that Anne Frank died it most of been so sad to the parents of Anne Frank.
i cant belive the nazis killed the juish I wonder why they want to kill the juish ive been trying to figure that out.
in the story diary of anne frank she died at concentration camp i think that was wrong to keep jewish people in concentration camp.annes parents maybe felt worried.
@Jillian – I think it was only Anne’s father who survived the Holocaust. And I agree with you. I cannot imagine a sadder thing than losing a child.
When I was in college, I traveled throughout Europe, including Germany. I took a tour of the Dachau concentration camp, which is now a museum. I remember visiting the section of the camp where the children were kept. Even though I had read Anne Frank’s story when I was in middle school, it wasn’t until I stood inside this cramped area that I really understood how horrible the suffering must have been for those children, separated from their parents and living in terrible conditions.
I think it’s really important to learn about Anne’s story – and to never forget this time in history when the world seem to turn its back on an entire population of people.
THe story Anne Frank is about a young girl who writes in her diary every day of every hour. When the Frank family is hiding in the next for the 2 years they get sent to the consentration camps. Anne Frank dies 6 months before the American soldiers came
Ithink they should not kill anne frank all becase
she is juish.I think its really important to learn about anne frank
We are so impressed and inspired by your intelligent look at the Anne Frank story of survival. We are glad you are studying the Holocast and using your knowledge to spread awareness about social injustices. Connecting to the past to create a better future. We are also working hard to do the same here at Marsh. Keep up the good work!
My name is Mia and I`m inspired that you guys went to interview a man that survived the Concentration Camps.
It was sad that American soilders came too late and everybody but the father in Anne Frank’s family died. If only they came earlier.
Mia, the Marsh Mediators also interviewed one of Anne Frank’s schoolmates. I’m hoping they’ll post here what they learned abut the Holocaust by meeting someone who lived through those very bad times in Europe.