Anne Frank House to Launch New 'Anne Frank Was Here' YouTube Series
The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam is set to premiere a new eight-part YouTube series titled Anne Frank was here. Launching on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 5:00 PM CEST, the series invites viewers on an emotional journey tracing Anne Frank's life through the eyes of her distant cousin, actor, and activist Leyb Elias. This collaboration with Every Media aims to illuminate Anne's profound story for a contemporary audience.
Following Anne Frank's Footsteps
Leyb Elias embarks on a poignant exploration, visiting the significant locations that shaped Anne Frank's life. From her birthplace in Frankfurt to her childhood home and hiding place in Amsterdam, and the concentration camps where she was held – Westerbork, Auschwitz, and Bergen-Belsen – the series covers the full, tragic arc of her experience. Leyb's narration offers a deeply personal connection, emphasizing his family's responsibility to keep Anne's legacy alive and inspire positive change today.
The series integrates historical footage with Leyb's personal reflections and special encounters, creating a moving narrative. He shares that while Anne's story doesn't have a happy ending, it profoundly offers hope.
Inspiring Encounters and Dialogue
Throughout his journey, Leyb Elias engages in several powerful dialogues. In Anne Frank’s former Amsterdam home, he meets Mohamedou Ould Slahi, a refugee writer who was wrongfully imprisoned, highlighting themes of human rights and justice. At a Liberal Jewish synagogue, discussions with Jewish youth explore prejudice and antisemitism, referencing the ‘Get to know your neighbours’ project. Leyb also connects with politicians Itay Garmy and Sheher Khan, who discuss identity, exclusion, and the importance of dialogue in schools.
The series also features direct encounters with Holocaust survivors. Leyb meets Eva Weyl at the former transit camp Westerbork and Bella Eisenman at Auschwitz, both sharing their impactful testimonies. The journey extends to Buenos Aires, where Leyb discovers how Anne Frank's story inspires young people at the Centro Ana Frank to work for change, demonstrating the global reach of her message.
The Elias Family Legacy
Leyb also visits the family home in Basel, Switzerland, where he and his sister Hannah reflect on their grandfather Buddy Elias. Buddy, who passed away in 2015, dedicated his life to preserving the memory of Anne Frank and all victims of National Socialism. Continuing in his spirit, Leyb and Hannah aim to transform their family home into a space for events and gatherings, fostering connection and learning among people from diverse backgrounds.
The Enduring Message of Hope
Reflecting on his experiences, Leyb Elias emphasizes the ongoing responsibility to confront history and act against hatred, discrimination, and violence, which he notes are universal issues. He finds enduring hope in Anne Frank's own words and her belief in the power of individuals to make a difference. The series culminates in the powerful thought she penned: "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world slowly."
Viewers can watch the entire series on the Anne Frank House YouTube channel.
To discover more cultural experiences and explore museums in Amsterdam, visit Musemap (musemap.art). You can also browse all museums or find other points of interest on the city map.
