County manager unveils Anne Frank exhibition
by Michael Cryan Updated: Wednesday, 12th October, 2011 5:30pm
The awe inspiring "Anne Frank - a history for today" exhibition, which is primarily aimed at young people from eleven to 18 years, is expected to attract over 2,000 visitors.
This exhibition is being hosted at The Anglo-Celt office until the end of the month and was officially launched by County Manager Jack Keyes on Monday evening.
Siobhan Wallace, network coordinator with Peace 111, is delighted that the exhibition has come to Cavan. It tells the story of Anne Frank against the background of the Holocaust and the Second World War. This is the first time that the exhibition has been displayed in Ireland. Speaking at the launch, Mr Keyes said it was probably one of the most special exhibitions they ever had in Cavan. There was an onus on those present to spread the word about the exhibition. "It will leave a positive influence on us all," he added.
"I still do not understand it," said Mr Keyes referring to the Holocaust. We had to make sure we worked together to preserve the good things in society, he added.
It was very fitting that the exhibition was taking place in The Anglo-Celt offices and the building was very apt. Mr Keyes said it was an honour for him to open the event.
Council chairman, Sean McKiernan, said Anne Frank's diary had a profound effect on many people. "When you get an endorsement from none other than John F. Kennedy, former President of the USA, it is a major achievement."
He commended the council staff for bringing the exhibition to Cavan and he also paid tribute to the Anne Frank Trust UK. Daniel Mendoza, vice-chairperson of the Anne Frank Trust UK, said he was told that 1,000 children were going to visit the exhibition but that had now increased to 1,500. The exhibition presented visitors with five themes - racial hatred, conflict and peace, inclusion and exclusion, democracy and dictatorship, and responsibility and indifference. He added that the trust used the power of Anne Frank's life and diary to challenge prejudice and reduce hatred by encouraging people to embrace positive attitudes, responsibility and respect of others.
Yanky Faschler, media spokesperson for the Jewish Representative Council, told the gathering that Anne Frank has come to symbolise the Holocaust. "It is a miracle that her manuscript survived." What happened during the Second World War was a crime against humanity, he added. He pointed out that if Anne Frank had survived the war she could still be alive today.
The exhibition runs until October 28, Monday to Friday from 10am-2pm; Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7-9pm, Saturday and Sunday from 1-6pm and admission is free. Pre-booking is essential for school and group bookings. Contact Siobhan on 049-4378578 or swallace@cavancoco.ie for information.
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