The exhibition was introduced by Jaak Aaviksoo, the Minister of Education and Research, who said that only 70 years have passed since the described events and, unfortunately, very many similar events have occurred during this period in the world. “We need to understand that, as long as this happens somewhere else in the world, it is possible that it would also happen in Estonia. Estonian people are able to compare their own experiences with the story of Anne Frank. The occupation regime was different, but the mentality and methods were the same, and most certainly, each of us has someone among our parents or relatives who have been affected by this.”

 

Jos Schellaars, the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Estonia, considered that it is very important that Anne Frank’s story would not be forgotten and that it also is introduced under the form of a travelling exhibition in Estonia. “This is part of the Netherlands’ history, which in turn is a part of European history and therefore a part of Estonia’s history. Two days ago, we marked the anniversary of the deportations, and this is Estonia’ story. We must learn from each other’s stories and remember them, no matter how sad they are, in order to know about and be able to prevent these mistakes in the future.”

 
Vootele Hansen, the representative of the Estonian Institute of Human Rights, added that the story recorded in the exhibition reminds us what can happen when greater importance is placed on ideas than on people. The attempt to implement such teachings in real life is accompanied by violence and evil, because people become just tools.

 
Jusef Luvistsuk, the director of the Estonian Jewish Museum said that the exhibition is very moving and wonderful, and thanked the ambassador, the minister, Nõmme Upper Secondary School and the Institute of Human Rights, who organised the exhibition.

 

 

The Anne Frank travelling exhibition is an educational project that is directed primarily at young people, who can increase their knowledge about the Holocaust and World War II.    The travelling exhibition will be on display for an average of two weeks at various schools in Estonia. The exhibition and Anne Frank’s story provide an opportunity for children to learn more about World War II and assist the teachers in discussions about topics related to human rights: racism and the persecution of minorities, as well as political, cultural and ethnic differences. It also provides a good opportunity to examine the development of human rights since 1945.

 

 

Anne Frank’s story speaks to today’s youth, who thereby gain a better understanding of the nature of their own freedoms and human rights – along with the accompanying ideals.
The exhibition is coordinated by the Anne Frank House in the Netherlands and it has travelled to many different countries of the world: Austria, France, Finland, Great Britain, Italy, Portugal, and many others. Now Estonia also has the opportunity to share in this exposition – the Estonian-language version was completed with the help of the Ministry of Education and Research. The Institute of Human Rights is the Estonian coordinator of the exhibition.

 
With the Anne Frank exhibition, the Institute of Human Rights is initiating a series of travelling exhibitions intended for schools. The series will continue with an exhibition titled “Human Rights in Estonia during the Soviet Rule”, which is being prepared in cooperation with the Estonian Institute of Historical Memory.

 

 

Information about the Anne Frank exhibition, and how to book it, are available on our website at www.humanrightsestonia.ee/naitused/anne-frank

 

More information: Elizabeth Kasa-Mälksoo
elizabeth.kasa-malksoo@humanrightsestonia.ee