Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long has the house been in the family and who still lives there today?
The house in St. Johann in Basel belongs to the Elias-Frank family. They have lived there for four generations. During and after the war, it was a refuge for the family. Gerti Elias, Buddy Elias's wife, has lived there since the 1980s and has a lifelong right of residence. Some rooms in the house are also sublet.
2. When and under what conditions will the house be sold?
The house will be sold the moment Gerti Elias passes away and the money for the purchase cannot be raised. The community of heirs has agreed that there will be a payout. This way, Hannah and Leyb can preserve it in the spirit of Buddy's vision and hand it over to an association.
3. Where does the house value amount come from?
The house was valued at 1.7 million Swiss francs. This amount is recognized by the community of heirs and corresponds to the market value. We need donations to cover this.
4. What is the connection between the house and Anne Frank?
From 1938, the family of Leni Elias, Otto Frank's sister, lived in the house. There was a lot of contact between the two families. Before the war, Otto visited Basel with his wife Edith and their two daughters Margot and Anne Frank. Anne and her cousin Buddy Elias, who lived there, were very fond of each other. Anne Frank was murdered in 1945, as were her mother and sister. After surviving Auschwitz, her father Otto moved to Basel into the family home. The idea of publishing Anne Frank's diaries emerged during this time and in this place.
5. What is the goal of the campaign?
The "Save the Elias-Frank House" campaign aims to preserve the house in Basel and dedicate it to a charitable purpose. First, 1.7 million Swiss francs will be collected to take over the house. Then, the house will be transferred to an association to ensure its purpose remains secure in the future.
6. Who supports the "Save the Elias-Frank House" campaign?
The campaign is supported by an initiative group led by Leyb and Hannah Elias, Buddy Elias's grandchildren. This group founded the non-profit association "Elias-Frank-Haus". Members of this group are on the board of the association.
7. What happens after the house is purchased?
The house will be handed over to the "Elias-Frank-Haus" association. They will take over the operation of the house. It will become a meeting place for exchange between different religions and cultures.
8. What are the ideas for the preservation and maintenance of the house?
The house is in good condition. Money is planned for further renovations and alterations. The concept is still being planned.
9. How will the house be operated?
The "Elias-Frank-Haus" association organizes the operation of the house. The house in Basel should be a place where people learn from each other, listen to each other, and promote an inclusive society. The detailed concept is in planning.
10. Who already supports the project?
There is a worldwide network of people and institutions involved with Anne Frank and her legacy. Buddy Elias, her cousin, had many contacts in Basel and beyond. The project is supported by old and new contacts from Basel, Switzerland, and other countries (see Support section).
11. How can the campaign be supported?
1.7 million Swiss francs must be collected. You can donate directly or help reach donors by making contacts or raising awareness about the project.