A statue of Anne Frank in Amsterdam has been vandalized with the word “Gaza” graffitied across its podium, drawing sharp criticism from the city’s mayor. The statue, located in a park near where Frank and her family lived before going into hiding, depicts her wearing several layers of clothing, symbolizing their attempt to avoid suspicion by not carrying suitcases.
Mayor Femke Halsema condemned the act, stating, “No Palestinian has been helped by smearing her so precious statue.” She emphasized that the young girl, who was brutally murdered by the Nazis at the age of 15, stands as a daily reminder of humanity and gentleness in the face of adversity.
Amsterdam police have launched an investigation into the incident, though no arrests have been made yet. A police spokesperson informed CNN that the report of vandalism was received on Tuesday afternoon, prompting officers to inspect the statue and initiate an investigation.
Anne Frank’s diary serves as a poignant introduction for many young people to the horrors of the Holocaust. In 1944, Frank and seven other Jews were discovered and detained after hiding for nearly two years in a secret annex above a canal-side warehouse in Amsterdam. Anne Frank ultimately perished at the Bergen-Belsen camp at age 15.
* CNN contributed to this report.