While I understand the concern about the risks involved, I believe that preserving Anne's diary was essential for honoring her memory and giving voice to her experiences. In moments of crisis, acts of bravery can lead to significant outcomes, such as ensuring that her story and the lessons from it are shared with future generations. By taking the risk to protect the diary, Miep Gies not only safeguarded Anne's personal reflections but also contributed to a broader understanding of the human consequences of war and persecution.
In preparation for a group discussion, read about when Miep Gies found Anne Frank’s diary.
Then I walked into Mr. and Mrs. Frank's bedroom. On the floor, amidst the chaos of papers and books, my eye lit on the little red-orange checkered, cloth-bound diary that Anne had received from her father on her thirteenth birthday. I pointed it out to Elli. Obeying my gesture, she leaned down and picked it up for me, putting it into my hands. I remembered how happy Anne had been to receive this little book to write her private thoughts in. I knew how precious her diary was to Anne. My eyes scanned the rubble for more of Anne's writings, and I saw the old accounting books and many more writing papers that Elli and I had given to her when she had run out of pages in the checkered diary. Elli was still very scared, and looked to me for direction. I told Elli, "Help me pick up all Anne's writings."
—Anne Frank Remembered,
Miep Gies
In a group discussion, a participant says, "I would never have picked up the diary. It’s not worth the risk.” How would you respond to share your viewpoint? Write three sentences.
1 answer