Anne Frank is one of the most well-known victims of the Holocaust, and her diary is one of the most widely read books in the world. Her life, her writings, and her tragic fate continue to inspire and move millions. Here are 18 facts about Anne Frank, her life, and her legacy.
1. She was born in Germany
Anne Frank was born on June 12, 1929, in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Her family was Jewish and lived there until Hitler came to power in 1933 and Jews were increasingly discriminated against.
2. Her family fled to the Netherlands
In 1934, the Frank family moved to Amsterdam to escape the rising antisemitism in Germany. They hoped to build a new and safe life there.
3. She received her famous diary on her 13th birthday
On June 12, 1942, her thirteenth birthday, Anne received a red-and-white checkered diary as a gift. She immediately started writing in it and even gave it a name: Kitty.
4. She had to go into hiding because of a summons for her sister Margot
In July 1942, Anne’s older sister Margot received a summons to report to a labor camp in Germany. This prompted the family to go into hiding in the Secret Annex of Otto Frank’s company building.
5. She lived over two years in the Secret Annex
From July 6, 1942, to August 4, 1944, Anne lived with her parents, sister, and four other people in the hidden annex at Prinsengracht 263 in Amsterdam.
6. The Secret Annex was cleverly hidden
The entrance to the Secret Annex was hidden behind a bookcase. This was a clever way to keep it concealed from the Nazis and potential informants.
7. She had a strong passion for writing
Anne dreamed of becoming a writer or journalist. In addition to her diary, she wrote stories, short fairy tales, and even fragments of a novel while in hiding.
8. She rewrote her diary for publication
In 1944, Anne heard on the radio that the government wanted to collect personal diaries to use as historical documents. She began rewriting her diary with the intent of publishing it someday.
9. She was betrayed
On August 4, 1944, Anne and the other people in hiding were discovered by the Nazis. To this day, it’s unclear who betrayed them.
10. She was deported to Auschwitz
After her arrest, Anne was sent via the Westerbork transit camp to Auschwitz. There, she was separated from her parents and endured horrific conditions.
11. She died in Bergen-Belsen concentration camp
In November 1944, Anne and her sister Margot were transported to Bergen-Belsen. Due to hunger, cold, and disease, they both weakened quickly. The sisters died of typhus, likely in February 1945, just weeks before the camp was liberated.
12. Her father was the only survivor
Otto Frank, Anne’s father, was the only one of the eight people in hiding to survive the Holocaust. After returning to Amsterdam, he discovered his wife and daughters had perished.
13. Her diary was saved by Miep Gies
Miep Gies, one of the helpers who hid the family, found Anne’s diary after the arrest and saved it. After the war, she gave it to Otto Frank, who decided to publish it.
14. Her diary became world-famous
In 1947, The Diary of a Young Girl was published, based on Anne’s writings. It has since been translated into more than 70 languages and is one of the most-read books in the world.
15. The Anne Frank House attracts millions of visitors
The Secret Annex is now a museum: the Anne Frank House. Each year, over a million people visit the place where Anne wrote her diary and hid during the war.
16. Her story inspired books and films
Anne’s diary and life story have inspired countless books, films, plays, and documentaries. It remains a symbol of the horrors of the Holocaust and the importance of tolerance.
17. She is an international symbol of hope and freedom
Despite her tragic fate, Anne Frank is globally regarded as a symbol of hope, courage, and resistance against oppression. Her words continue to inspire generations.
18. Her most famous quote is still relevant today
One of Anne’s most famous quotes from her diary is:
“In spite of everything, I still believe that people are truly good at heart.”
These words, written during one of the darkest times in history, still move and inspire people worldwide.
Anne Frank’s story is more than a historical account of the Holocaust. Her words and dreams show the resilience of the human spirit, even under the most inhumane conditions. Her diary remains one of the most important reminders of the consequences of hatred and intolerance, and continues to be a source of global inspiration.
