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, is still living in the house 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 when Gerti Elias no longer lives there. To ensure that it is not sold as residential property, but rather preserved in all its historical significance and used as a place of intercultural and interreligious encounter, part of the inheritance community must be paid out. For this donations are needed.
3. Where does the house value amount come from?
The house was valued at 1.7 million Swiss francs by an estate agent. This amount has been accepted by the community of heirs and corresponds to the market value. In addition, part of the community of heirs has agreed to be paid out so that the house can then be transferred to an association or foundation. To cover this payment, donations are needed.
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 Elias / Frank. 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 Margot. After surviving Auschwitz, Otto Frank moved to Basel into the family home. The idea of publishing Anne Frank's diaries takes shape at this time and in this place, and is ultimately realised.
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. The house will then be transferred to an association or foundation so that it can be preserved as a meeting place and historic building.
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 or foundation. This institution 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 has already been submitted to various relevant bodies.
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 available.
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 in person or via media.