Name: Jay
August 15, 2003 10:19 PM | Location:
Response:
I am 30 and I am from Poland. I have never read Anne's diary before. It is nearly 4am now. I couldn't stop watching the exhibition online. I felt like Anne is present. And her pen childs - so light and natural. It made me crying when I found out that she died. I am really touched and left speechless. I would like the world to be your way Anne - it would be such a beautiful place then... and maybe one day it will be like you would like it to be, like it should be, so all kids like you (and there are no difference between them, right?) enjoy happy and peaceful life. |
Name: Lisa
August 11, 2003 07:38 PM | Location:
Response:
I had been aware of the Holocaust since I was a very young child, and it seemed like a horrible nightmare that happened so long ago. But it was'nt so long ago and that is what frightened and angered me more than anything. I first read Anne's diary at the age of 10. Her talent is apparent, and she is such a likeable girl. I felt as if she could of been a friend. Now as an adult, the most poignant thing in Anne's writing, is the glimmer of the woman she would have been. She could now be a doting grandmother had she not been robbed of her precious potential. The world has truly suffered for the good souls lost in that terrible time of hate and madness. Anne Frank has became of symbol of goodness for future generations to strive towards. |
Name: Sharon
August 07, 2003 09:21 PM | Location:
Response:
I remember reading Anne Frank's diary when I was 11 or 12. I had just learned about the Holocaust.
The first book I had read on the subject was "Mein Kampf," which was suggested by a school teacher of mine after I had told her that I wanted to learn more about what had happened to Jews during WWII.
(What a suggestion!)
As an African American, you can believe that book's author didn't have *me* in mind when he wrote it. There was much that went over my head at the time, but what I did understand horrified me.
In any case, I was glad to have read the diary of Anne Frank.
She was a couple of years older than my mom.
What's really funny is that when I first read her diary, she spoke to me as a friend, a peer.
Now that I am an adult, she remains a forever a child I grieve for.
That's how much she touched me. |
Name: Pamela
August 05, 2003 09:06 PM | Location:
Response:
As a Mandel fellow of the USHMM and a teacher who teaches Anne's Diary, I came to the exhibit in Washington with a lot of background information. However, seeing Anne's own handwriting, reading her words and seeing her pictures, I gained a different perspective of this 13 year old author. Her use of language is exceptional. Through her words, her life in hiding becomes alive and vibrant. Her message to all of us is as relevant to today as it was then. The irony of this exhibit being held at the same time as the one downstairs on banned book burnings is unmistakable. Her diary would definitely have been at the top of the list of books to be banned. I just hope one day everyone learns lssons of tolerance and peace. Like Anne, we can always hope. |
Name: ashley
August 01, 2003 02:34 PM | Location:
Response:
the first time i read the diary of anne frank i was 11 or 12 every time i think about her i go outside and think wow i can go out she never could and when she was dinally able to go out again it was to work in a concentrarion camp it makes me so proud to know that this 12 year old girl was so pasionate and so strong im just sorry this had to happen to her |
Name: Rebecca
August 01, 2003 10:13 AM | Location:
Response:
I first read Anne's diary when I was 10 years old. I have not been without a copy in my possesion since. Im 29 years old. It sits on my nightstand like an old friend and waits. From time to time I will pick It up and am always amazed how easy it is to relate to the feelings, situations and relationships that occur inside. There havn't been many things in my life that I've maintained a long-term passion for. Phases and interest evolve and change. Anne's diary has always remained. The irony is that in persuing other interests such as music or art or theater, I can find entire libraries filled so infinatly with volumes of knowledge on the subject at hand. Big books. New books. Books Ive never read before. Colorfull, and bright. But over in the corner sits a small little paperback that starts with the words "I HOPE". Finite by nature, it's the one I choose every time. Because although I may be reading it for the "umpteenth" time, Its message remains true and valid and relavant. Every once in a while Anne very quietly reminds me to slow down. to listen...to everybody. She reminds me that even though those around you may be shouting at the top of there lungs with impossing opinions and ideals, sometimes its the remnants of a tiny voice, that no-one even knew was there until it was lost, that can truely impact the world around it. Because of Anne, my ears will always be open. |
Name: Beryl in New Zealand
July 28, 2003 08:05 AM | Location:
Response:
I have just read Annes diary at the age of 19,like most people it touched my heart and also gave me an insight of the life as a Jew.When reading the book it seemed as though i were reading leters of a dare friend.Anne has made a huge impact on my life for the good and I am turely greatful that she shared her personal feelings for others to learn from and grow as people.I no longer take things for granted and also have started my own diary.By visiting your web-site i can now put faces to the people metioned in Annes book, Thank you. My heart bleeds for all the children who were murdered in the Holocaust. |
Name: Johny
July 26, 2003 09:41 PM | Location:
Response:
Young as she was Ms. Frank apparently had that sense of a great writer. Her thoughts and ideas are far a head of her age. |
Name: Allison
July 23, 2003 10:15 AM | Location:
Response:
Several times I have read Ms. Frank's diary, each time my fascination is renewed of her strength to survive and make the best of the situation in which she was given. Her impact on us is obvious as we are constantly searching for more information on her short but ever so large life. To me, she is inspirational in the fact that I realize how horrific live can get, and it serves as motivation to live life to the fullest, because our time here can be ever so short. |
Name: Holly
July 20, 2003 12:34 AM | Location:
Response:
I read Anne's diary for the first time at the age of eight. I recently attended the exhibit- and I don't think that words can really describe the effect Anne Frank has had on my life. It's been an eleven year odyssey of learning, and because of her I knew that I had to learn what I could to make the world better. She became, in her short life, so much more than simply a journalist or writer. I am older than Anne was at the time she died. There are no words for that either. I feel sorrow for this girl- this woman that I never knew or ever will know because hatred is everywhere. Anne inspired me when I was a small child and continues to do so today. But there are still so many questions that will never be answered. Despite the diary, we know virtually nothing about this vibrant, lively girl--- because the diary is only part of the story. The photo albums aren't enough, and neither is the thirty seconds of film footage. We will never know enough because paper can only hold so much of a beating heart. Anne was not a saint. But she inspires. Most people try for a lifetime to accomplish what she did by speaking her heart. |
