On May 1, a sapling was dedicated to the city of Seattle. This sapling, however, is more than just a growing tree, it’s a reminder of a devastating piece of history to underscore the importance of peace, acceptance, and equality. The sapling is from the chestnut tree that stood outside the annex where Anne Frank and her family hid for two years during the Holocaust for fear of being killed in concentration camps because they were Jewish. The tree outside Anne’s Annex eventually became sick and fell over in a storm in 2010. Thankfully, however, numerous saplings had been taken from the tree to be planted and dedicated to Anne Frank and remind people throughout the world of the lessons learned in the Holocaust. The sapling planted in Seattle was one of only 11 like it given to organizations in the United States. The Holocaust Center for Humanity applied to receive the sapling, and they are so glad to share this special tree with Seattleites and visitors.

On the day of the dedication, Washington citizens, Holocaust survivors, and descendants of victims of the Holocaust gathered in the heart of Seattle to recognize the tree’s importance, as well as the atrocities that occurred during the Holocaust. After hearing a speech by Laureen Nussbaum, a Holocaust survivor – as well as hearing inspiring words from other speakers – everyone walked towards the Space Needle to see the tree in Seattle’s Peace Garden.

The Holocaust Center for Humanity is a growing organization that strives to share and teach the lessons learned from the Holocaust, and encourages students and communities to learn more about what happened. The Center offers multiple resources to teachers and citizens including connections to speakers and survivors, teaching trunks (books, artifacts, and activities sent to classrooms for free), as well as guided tours through their museum and a library of books about the Holocaust at its location in downtown Seattle. In addition, the organization has a student leadership board. The board offers additional opportunities for students in grades 7-12 looking to further involve themselves in informing others about current genocides and efforts that can be made to improve situations and create a peaceful future with our knowledge of the Holocaust. For more information about applying for next year’s board, see the Holocaust Center’s website; www.holocaustcenterseattle.org.

I was fortunate enough to be on the student leadership board at the Holocaust Center for Humanity this year, and I have really enjoyed it. It was a chance for me to not only learn more about the Holocaust, but also about leadership, standing up for what you believe in, and taking action. I think the leadership board is a fantastic way for students to start making a difference in the community, and learning about the positive impact they can have.

The Holocaust Center does phenomenal work to encourage peace and equality, and the event this May dedicating Anne Frank’s tree to Seattle is yet another example of how they are spreading the word about tolerance, acceptance, and making a difference.

Allison Hoff is a 14 year old Kirkland resident.