Exhibition to promote 'just world'

Anne Frank's diary has been read around the world

A programme of cultural and historical events has been drawn up for the visit of the Anne Frank exhibition to Brighton and Hove.

The 15-year-old died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in 1945.

"Anne Frank: A History For Today", is presented in a series of pavilions which tell the story of the Holocaust through the thoughts and feelings of the Frank family.

The city will also host a related programme focusing on human rights, racial tolerance and democracy today.

'Just world'

Event organiser Doris Levinson, editor of Sussex Jewish News, told BBC News Online: "This story of Anne Frank is a catalyst for thinking about what hate crime is about, and ensuring humanity looks at itself and tries to create a more just world.

"We hear a lot about the millions of people who died but by having a name, like Anne Frank, it makes people focus on the fact it is individuals who are being killed or oppressed.

A bookcase hid the door to the Franks' hiding place

"It is also about celebrating the diversity of different races, religions, and lifestyles.

"We want the exhibition to show there is no place for hate crimes of any type, whether it is race crime, hobophobic crime, or domestic crime."

Anne and her family were forced into hiding in 1942, following the Nazi invasion of Holland.

She kept a diary of the day-to-day reality of a Jewish family living in the shadow of Nazism.

Her diary has been translated into dozens of languages, films have been made and her name remains instantly recognisable around the world nearly 60 years after her death.

"Anne Frank: A History For Today" will be at Brighton College between 3 and 29 November.

The college, a private school, has donated the use of its premises free for the month.

Human rights

A companion exhibition has been produced by Brighton and Hove's anti-victimisation unit, and the events are backed by Sussex Police, and the city council.

Events in November include an exhibition of poster designs by second year students from Brighton University School of Graphic Design in the Burstow Gallery, Brighton College.

There will also be lectures by local rabbi, Pesach Efune, and the Reverend Barry Norman, and a discussion staged by the Council of Christians and Jews.

A seminar on human rights and associated legislation, presented by Celebrating Diversity, with opening address by Lord Dholakia, will take place in the main hall at Brighton College.

A Brighton Jewish Film Festival is also being staged, and the city's youth orchestra will perform at Brighton and Hove New Synagogue.