Amsterdam—More than just a Party

Last weekend, I spent a very non-traditional Thanksgiving in Amsterdam. Luckily, my close friend Suzanna was able to cross seas to spend the weekend with me. Amsterdam is known for their vibrant night life; however, I was able to dive deeper into the city.

Amsterdam is home to the Anne Frank house. During World War II, a Jewish family hid in a secret annex from the Nazi's. Anne Frank wrote diary entries telling stories of her life in hiding. After two years, Anne and her family were discovered and taken to concentration camps. The house has now been turned into a museum for people to learn more about Anne's family. 

The secret bookcase cracked open to reveal the hidden doorway to the annex. As I moved throughout the house I could feel the historical significance looming around me. It was haunting to realize I was taking the same footsteps Nazi soldiers once took. I read letters that a girl, only a few years younger than me, wrote as she feared her life. Her meaningful entries emphasize the importance of toleration and acceptance. In one journal entry she wrote, "In spite of everything, I still believe people are really good at heart." Anne had the ability to look past her difficult situation and embraced a positive spirit. Her bravery and courage transcends beyond the words in her diary. 

The tour finished with a video of several historians and celebrities discussing the experience of Anne Frank. A quote I resonated with was one from Emma Thompson, a British actress and screenwriter. During a speech in 2006 at the Anne Frank Museum she said, "The only thing we have to remember is: all her would-haves are our real possibilities. All her would-haves are our opportunities." Thompson's words inspired a sense of gratitude within me. I was lucky enough to live my life as a teenager without a fear of danger and oppression. This was not a luxury Anne had. 

Hate and intolerance still exists in our world today. We could say that a gruesome event like the Holocaust won't happen again. However, this is naive. After my visit to the Anne Frank house I developed an understanding for the need for acceptance. Millions of Jews lost their lives based on their religious beliefs. I couldn't imagine this becoming a reality in our world today We must celebrate differences rather than condemn them. Anne Frank's story is tragic; however, we can learn from it to ensure that it never happens again. The museum continues to spread Anne's legacy allowing her to be remembered as a hero.

This blog post is inspired by "A Shared Indian Cake Never Forgotten" by Margaret Wagner. In Wagner's post she discusses an important experience of hers and applies it to larger world issues. She makes her reader feel the significance of her story. This is what I wanted to do through my blog post about my visit to the Anne Frank house. The experience of mine revealed the importance of many larger scheme issues; such as, toleration and acceptance.