环球英语 — 125：Anne Frank’s Tree
Voice 1
Thank you for joining us for today’s Spotlight. I’m Liz Waid.
Voice 2
And I’m Joshua Leo. Spotlight uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.
Voice 1
In 1942, during World War II, a young Jewish girl went into hiding with her family. They hid in a secret room built especially for them. It was above a Dutch business in the city of Amsterdam. For two years they hid from the German Nazi soldiers who marched through the streets. During World War II, the Nazis wanted to kill all the Jews. It was a terrible time in history.
Voice 2
The young girl could never leave her hiding place. During the day she had to remain very quiet. She had to stay inside. Often, her only desire was to go outside in the fresh air. All she wanted was to be free. On these days the girl could only sit quietly next to a window. She would look out at a beautiful chestnut tree. And she would write her thoughts and dreams in her diary.
Voice 1
Today’s Spotlight is on the chestnut tree that grew behind the hiding place of Anne Frank.
Voice 2
Many people know the story of Anne Frank and her famous diary. During World War II, the Frank family hid from German soldiers. But, in August 1944, soldiers found the Frank’s secret hiding place. They arrested the family and sent them to a prison camp. There, the Frank family lived and worked as prisoners of the German army. Most of the members of the Frank family died in the camp, including young Anne. The only survivor was Anne’s father, Otto Frank.
Voice 1
Otto returned home to Amsterdam alone. There, he learned of the death of his wife and two daughters. He had nothing to remember them by - he had lost everything. But soon after his return, a friend gave him a very special gift. It was Anne’s diary. The friend had saved the diary after the Frank family’s arrest. Otto kept the diary with him for many years. He read it often, learning more and more about his young daughter. He learned all about Anne’s hopes and dreams.
Voice 2
Through reading the diary, Otto learned one specific dream. Anne had wanted to write a book. So, Otto decided to make Anne’s dream come true. He made Anne’s diary into a book. It is still very famous today! Many people consider it one of the most important books of the twentieth [20th] century. From Anne’s diary we learn about the Frank family history. We learn what it was like to live as a Jew during World War II. And we learn about the hopes of a young girl.
Voice 1
Over the years, Anne Frank’s words and ideas have inspired many people. For many people, her words represent the hope that people can live together in peace no matter what their religion, country or political beliefs. As Anne writes, we are all different and yet we are all the same.
Voice 3
March 26, 1944:
“Why should you be nicer to a rich woman than to a poor one? Human greatness is not in wealth or power, but in character and goodness. Give whatever there is to give! You can always give something, even if it is a simple act of kindness. People who give will never be poor!”
April 11, 1944:
“I will make my voice heard. I will go out into the world and work for mankind! I know now that courage and happiness are needed first!”
July 6, 1944:
“We are all alive, but we do not know why or what for. We are all searching for happiness, we are all leading lives that are different and yet... the same.”
Voice 1
It is from the words of Anne’s diary that the world also learned about a very special chestnut tree. The tree was one of Anne’s only links to nature and the outside world.
Voice 3
February 23, 1944:
“The two of us looked out at the blue sky, the bare chestnut tree glistening with dew...”
May 13, 1944:
“Our chestnut tree is in full blossom. It is covered with leaves and is even more beautiful than last year.”
Voice 2
This chestnut tree still stands in the city of Amsterdam. Experts believe it is over one hundred fifty [150] years old. Many people from around the world visit the tree each day. You see, the Frank family hiding place is now a museum. People can walk through the hiding place. They learn about the Franks and the history of World War II. They can also look out of the window and see the same beautiful tree that Anne Frank saw.
Voice 1
However, today the chestnut tree is in great danger. Bacteria and moth insects are attacking the tree. The bacteria destroy the tree from the inside. And, the moths eat and kill the leaves. In November 2007, officials decided that the tree must come down. They believed it was too dangerous to leave it standing. They feared the tree would fall and injure someone. They also feared it would fall into the museum and destroy it. This special part of history could be lost forever.
Voice 2
There are many people who feel that the old chestnut tree is linked to Anne and her inspiring words. They believe the tree represents Anne Frank’s hope of living in a better world. It represents her hope for freedom. Just as Anne Frank is an important part of history, so is the tree. That is why many people have joined together and are fighting to save the tree!
Voice 1
Supporters of the tree argued with the officials who wanted to cut it down. They argued that, as a symbol of freedom, the tree was worth trying to save. They started the Support Anne Frank Tree Foundation. Over the last year this group has worked very hard to save the old chestnut tree.
Voice 2
Now, many groups are working together on one plan to save the tree. They include the city of Amsterdam, the Frank museum, the tree’s owner, the Netherlands’ Trees Institute, the Support Anne Frank Tree Foundation and tree experts from around the world.
Voice 1
In May 2008, tree experts will build a supporting structure around the tree. The structure will help the tree to remain standing for up to fifteen [15] more years. Along with the structure, experts will take small pieces, or grafts, from the tree. They will plant and care for the grafts. The hope is that the grafts will grow into full-sized chestnut trees. When the old chestnut tree dies, the grafts can be planted in its place. Anne Frank’s tree will live on. And with it, Anne Frank’s hope for a better world will also live on.
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