Our Mission
The Anne Frank Center USA operates programs across the country, empowering emerging adults to build the informed and compassionate world Anne imagined in the pages of her diary.
We operate from a decentralized model, saving costs on facilities so that our budget supports programs and people.
AFC News
Statement on War in Israel
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.
What We Do
The Anne Frank Center offers traveling exhibits with peer guide training, workshops, and theater performances for communities throughout America. In 2022 and 2023 our programs reached more than 50,000 people in 21 states. Learn more, or request a program.
Politico: “The Losing Battle to Beat Antisemitism in the Age of Misinformation”
Dr. Lauren A. Bairnsfather , Chief Executive Officer of Anne Frank Center USA, is quoted in this Politico article detailing Arizona’s educational battle against antisemitism. Other
“Where there's hope, there's life. It fills us with fresh courage and makes us strong again.”
Anne Frank
June 6, 1944
Support the Anne Frank Center today
Your support helps us to bring more programs to communities throughout America.