ANNE FRANK DAY: MAY EVENTS

In 2022, inspired by Anne Frank’s story, 10 year old Olivia Prince, with the support of Anne Frank LA, approached Councilmember Paul Koretz (CD5) about declaring an official day to honor Anne’s legacy. And he agreed.
 

On April 26, 2022, the Los Angeles City Council adopted a resolution declaring May 12 to be Anne Frank Day in the City of Los Angeles. The day honors Anne, her father Otto (whose birthday is May 12), and the nearly 1.5 million children who perished during the Holocaust.

On May 24, 2022, Olivia Prince was invited to City Hall, where Paul Koretz presented her with the official Anne Frank Day Resolution. In attendance were Anne Frank LA Founders, Margrit Polak and Harvey Shield, as well as Olivia’s parents, filmmaker Adam Prince and Laura Salvato, an Anne Frank LA Founding Board Member.

This year, to celebrate Anne Frank Day, Anne Frank LA is hosting the following events with our local partners: The Los Angeles Public Library, Central Library, Temple Israel of Hollywood, The Ebell of Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles Breakfast Club. In addition to the events below, Anne Frank Day will be celebrated in partnership with the Los Angeles Public Library branch libraries and local bookstores. Please join us.

Thursday, May 18
Anne Frank Day “Your Story Matters” Contest Awards Presentation and “Anne Frank – A History for Today” Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Anne Frank LA honors Anne Frank Day with an awards presentation celebrating our local student winners (ages 13 to 16) of the Anne Frank Day “Your Story Matters” Contest and a ribbon cutting ceremony announcing the Anne Frank – A History for Today traveling exhibit on display at the Los Angeles Public Library, Central Library, Lower Atrium Level One.

Attendees to include Anne Frank LA Founders, Margrit Polak and Harvey Shield, AFLA board members, City Librarian, John Szabo, Director of Community Engagement/Field Deputy Allen Zipper representing the office of Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, and other public officials.

Los Angeles Public Library, Central Library

630 West 5th Street

Los Angeles, CA 90071 

10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Friday, May 19
Temple Israel of Hollywood — Candlelit Celebration Confirmation and Legacies Shabbat

Kabbalat Shabbat services honoring the 2023 TIOH Confirmation class followed by an Oneg honoring two important voices helping us remember the Holocaust: Trudie Strobel, whose tapestry exhibit is currently on display, and Anne Frank Day champion Olivia Prince, a TIOH Religious School 6th grader.

7300 Hollywood Blvd. 

Los Angeles, CA 90046

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

Saturday, May 20

Dear Freedom Writer: Penning a Path to Write the Wrong — Panel and Q&A

Moderated by bestselling author, Freedom Writer Founder, and AFLA Board Member Erin Gruwell with Original Freedom Writers and student authors.

An inspiring and thought-provoking panel discussion that highlights the transformative power of writing, drawing from the experiences of both the original Freedom Writer authors and the next generation of Freedom Writers of the Penguin Random House bestselling books, The Freedom Writers Diary and Dear Freedom Writer: Stories of Hardship and Hope from the Next Generation.

This presentation explores how writing can serve as a catalyst for addressing and challenging societal injustices, allowing individuals to pen a path toward rectifying the wrongs in our world. Discover the profound impact of their collective voices and become inspired to use the power of the written word to create a more just and inclusive society.

The Ebell of Los Angeles

743 South Lucerne Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90005

11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday, May 24 

The Los Angeles Breakfast Club Hosts Guest Speakers Margrit Polak and Harvey Shield, Founders of Anne Frank LA

Enjoy a catered breakfast, silly songs, club traditions, and special presentation with Margrit Polak and Harvey Shield, Founders of Anne Frank LA at the historic Los Angeles Breakfast Club. 

Breakfast tickets are $25. Reservation required by May 22 and can be made here. 

Los Angeles Breakfast Club

3201 Riverside Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027

7:00 a.m.  to 9:00 a.m.

Thursday, May 25 

Margrit Polak and Harvey Shield, Founders of Anne Frank LA Lead Tour of Anne Frank-A History for Today

Join Anne Frank LA cofounders Margrit Polak and Harvey Shield at the Los Angeles Public Library, Central Library as they take you through the Anne Frank-A History for Today exhibit on display on Lower Level 1. 

The international traveling exhibit, Anne Frank - A History for Today, was created by the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam and has traveled to schools in more than fifty countries. Featuring 32 beautifully illustrated panels with English-Spanish text, it tells the story of the Holocaust and the Second World War through the experience of Anne Frank and her family.

Los Angeles Public Library, Central Library

630 West 5th Street

Los Angeles, CA 90071 

10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.