Two Anne Frank trees to take root in Zwartewaterland as symbols of remembrance
Residents of Hasselt and Zwartsluis can witness the planting of two Anne Frank trees this month, serving as living memorials to the Holocaust. These trees, descendants of the one Anne Frank wrote about in her diary, aim to keep the memory of World War II alive and spark reflection in the community.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Locations | Hasselt (near Bolwerk, playground by Jewish cemetery) |
| Zwartsluis (grassy area behind Dutch Reformed Church, near Jewish cemetery) | |
| Planting Dates | 19 March 2026 (Hasselt, 2:00 PM) |
| 26 March 2026 (Zwartsluis, 1:00 PM) | |
| Participants | Alderman Maarten Slingerland, Leo Stam (Foundation Chairman), |
| Group 8 of Aremberg School (Zwartsluis) | |
| Origin of Trees | Descendants of the white horse chestnut tree Anne Frank wrote about |
| Previous Planting | Genemuiden (2025, donated by HEUTBOUW for its 100th anniversary) |
| Organizers | Municipality of Zwartewaterland, Stichting Herdenking Joods Leven |
The municipality of Zwartewaterland, in collaboration with local foundations, plays a key role in preserving historical memory and educating the public about the Holocaust. By planting these trees, the local government ensures that the legacy of Anne Frank and the victims of World War II remains a visible and tangible part of community life.
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Anne Frank trees to be planted in Hasselt and Zwartsluis
The municipality of Zwartewaterland will receive two new Anne Frank trees this month: one in Hasselt and one in Zwartsluis. Residents are warmly invited to attend the tree-planting ceremonies. Alderman Maarten Slingerland and Leo Stam, chairman of the Stichting Herdenking Joods Leven Zwartewaterland (Foundation for Commemorating Jewish Life in Zwartewaterland), will briefly reflect on the significance of these special trees during both events.
On Thursday, 19 March at 2:00 PM, the Anne Frank tree will be planted in Hasselt. The tree will be placed near the Bolwerk, in the playground next to the Jewish cemetery. This playground is being renovated, and space has been deliberately reserved for the Anne Frank tree in the design.
A week later, on Thursday, 26 March at 1:00 PM, an Anne Frank tree will be planted on the grassy area at the rear of the Dutch Reformed Church in Zwartsluis, close to the Jewish cemetery. Group 8 of the Aremberg School will assist in planting the tree. At both locations, the trees are expected to grow into prominent and distinctive features in the town centres.
Original tree
Anne Frank wrote in her diary about the white horse chestnut tree she could see from the Secret Annex. When the original tree was found to be severely diseased, the Anne Frank House collected and cultivated chestnuts from it. These chestnuts grew into young trees, which have since been planted around the world. The original tree fell in 2010, but it lives on through these descendants.
By planting these two trees this month, Zwartewaterland is fulfilling its wish to have an Anne Frank tree in every town centre. This also keeps the memory of the Second World War alive. Last year, an Anne Frank tree was already planted at De Meente in Genemuiden. That tree was donated by HEUTBOUW in Genemuiden to mark its 100th anniversary.
A visible reminder
The municipality is planting the trees in collaboration with the Stichting Herdenking Joods Leven Zwartewaterland. According to Alderman Maarten Slingerland, the Anne Frank tree has a clear significance. “This tree makes us pause and reflect on the horrific events of the Second World War. It reminds us that such a thing must never happen again.”
Leo Stam, chairman of the Stichting Herdenking Joods Leven Zwartewaterland, also stresses the importance of planting the trees. The foundation is committed to keeping Jewish life in Zwartewaterland visible and ensuring it is remembered. “An Anne Frank tree is a place to pause for a moment. And a place that invites us to keep telling the story.”