Programs and Events
Anne Frank LA creates and presents innovative, educational, and cultural programs and community events that further the legacy of Anne Frank. We use Anne Frank’s story as a launchpad to challenge students ages 11 to 18 to think critically about concepts such as tolerance, mutual respect, human rights, and democracy. We believe the best way to counter hate, prejudice, and discrimination is through education. That’s why we are so proud to bring two programs developed by the Education Department at the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam to Southern California.
AFLA Signature Programs
Online Tours of the Virtual Anne Frank House
Virtual Tours of the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam are led by expert facilitators and conducted live online. This unique program allows us to
take middle and high school students on a room-by-room virtual tour of the Secret Annex, the place where Anne Frank lived in hiding for more than two years during WWII … and where she wrote her diary.
The video tour guides young viewers through the Anne's house using footage filmed in the museum, with a virtual Anne Frank as their guide.
This experience can be followed with an interactive conversation with a Holocaust Survivor, or other inspirational speaker.
Anne Frank – A History for Today – An International Traveling Exhibit
Anne Frank - A History for Today, features 32 beautifully illustrated panels, with English-Spanish text, telling the story of the Holocaust and the Second World War through the experience of Anne Frank and her family. The panels which contain photographs of the Frank family are combined with other photos and information that shed light on historical events and processes that took place before, during, and after the Second World War.
The exhibit is designed to encourage middle and high school students to think critically about issues such as prejudice, discrimination, exclusion, and persecution. It also teaches about moral courage and the need to stand up to intolerance and hatred by helping build a more tolerant, compassionate, and just world.
An important part of the Anne Frank - A History for Today program is the two-day “peer guide” training session during which student volunteers help assemble the panels and learn to lead their peers as “student docents” through the exhibit, explain its content. The work sparks student led conversations about how themes such as tolerance, discrimination and identity are as relevant today as they were during the Holocaust, and how young people can become agents of change in their community.
Anne Frank Day
Anne Frank Day
May 12
A resolution establishing "Anne Frank Day" in the city of Los Angeles was passed in 2022, with the help of Councilmember Paul Koretz (District 5). On May 12, 2023, Mayor Konstantine Anthony proclaimed Anne Frank Day in Burbank. On May 6, 2024, Mayor Victor Gordo proclaimed Anne Frank Day in Pasadena. More than 75 years after the publication of her diary on June 25, 1947, people all over the world know the name Anne Frank. Both Anne and her story have become part of the world’s collective memory of the Holocaust. In establishing Anne Frank Day in Los Angeles, Burbank, and Pasadena, we not only celebrate Anne's legacy, but also her powerful message of hope. Our work continues, as we reach out to more local communities to officially commemorate May 12 as Anne Frank Day in their city.
We are honored to have celebrated our first two Anne Frank Days in partnership with the Los Angeles Public Library.
Inaugural AFLA Anne Frank Day
Los Angeles Public Library
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Our first annual Anne Frank Day was celebrated with the Anne Frank Day Your Story Matters Contest Awards Ceremony and Ribbon Cutting. The ceremony, held in the Central Library Atrium Level One, featured opening remarks from John F. Szabo, City Librarian, Los Angeles Public Library, a first-hand account from child Holocaust survivor Dorien Grunbaum, and speeches from Anne Frank LA cofounder Harvey Shield and 12-year-old Anne Frank LA activist Olivia Prince.
Allen Zipper, Community Engagement Director for City Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky (5thDistrict) and Sue Ellen Alpazar from the Freedom Writers Foundation also spoke before joining Harvey Shield in presenting the nine student winners of the Anne Frank Day Your Story Matters Contest with award certificates.
A ribbon cutting marked the opening of the Anne Frank - A History for Today exhibit, which remained on display in the Central Library for the entire month of May to honor Jewish American Heritage Month.
Second Annual AFLA Anne Frank Day
Los Angeles Public Library
Sunday, May 12, 2024
Our second annual Anne Frank Day was celebrated with the Anne Frank Day Your Story Matters Contest Awards Ceremony, followed by a Short Film Screening and Q&A with the filmmakers. The ceremony at the Central Library's Mark Taper Auditorium, featured opening remarks from librarian Tina Lernø and Sofia Shield, Anne Frank LA cofounder and Programs and Operations Director.
AFLA activist Olivia Prince read a quotation from Anne's diary. Then AFLA’s First Annual Humanitarian Award was presented to Holocaust Survivor and renowned tapestry artist Trudie Strobel.
Kenneth Miller, Office of Mayor Karen Bass,West Area Representative for Community Engagement, also spoke before joining Sofia Shield in presenting the eight student winners with Anne Frank Day Your Story Matters Contest award certificates.
A screening of two short films, Anne and The Anne Frank Gift Shop with a Q&A, followed. Moderated by producer Noam Dromi in conversation with filmmakers Mickey Rapkin, Adi Eshman, and Desiree Abeyta, the discussion focused on the relevance of Anne Frank today.