And Then They Came For Me Anne Frank Quote
The quote “And then they came for me” is one of the most famous lines from Anne Frank’s diary, which tells the story of a young Jewish girl who went into hiding during the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam during World War II. The quote is often used as a reminder of the dangers of indifference and how it can lead to the persecution of innocent people.
The Life of Anne Frank
Anne Frank was born in Frankfurt, Germany in 1929. When she was four years old, her family moved to Amsterdam in the Netherlands to escape the rise of the Nazi party in Germany. However, the family was not safe in Amsterdam either, as the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands began in 1940.
In 1942, Anne’s family went into hiding in a secret annex behind her father’s office building in Amsterdam. They were joined by another family and a dentist, and lived in hiding for two years until they were discovered by the Nazis in 1944.
Anne and her sister Margot were sent to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where they both died of typhus in early 1945. Anne’s father, Otto Frank, was the only member of the family to survive the war and published Anne’s diary in 1947.
The Quote
The quote “And then they came for me” comes from a passage in Anne Frank’s diary where she reflects on the gradual persecution of the Jewish people in Amsterdam. The full passage reads:
“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
The quote is often used as a warning against the dangers of apathy and indifference in the face of injustice. It reminds us that we must speak out and take action when we see others being persecuted, even if we ourselves are not the targets.
The Legacy of Anne Frank
Anne Frank’s diary has been translated into over 70 languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide. It has become one of the most widely read books in the world and has inspired countless people to fight against injustice and oppression.
The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, where Anne and her family went into hiding, is now a museum and a place of pilgrimage for people from all over the world. The museum attracts over a million visitors every year and serves as a reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust and the importance of standing up against prejudice and discrimination.
Conclusion
The quote “And then they came for me” has become a powerful symbol of the dangers of indifference and the need for action in the face of injustice. Anne Frank’s diary and the legacy of her life have inspired millions of people to fight for a better world, and her story serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, compassion, and the courage to speak out against oppression.