Anne Frank tree in Waalwijk targeted by vandals

The Anne Frank tree in the Wandelpark in Waalwijk was vandalized for the third time this month. Over the weekend unknown unknown perpetrators twice snapped the trunk of the tree. Local residents believe this is a targeted action, Omroep Brabant reports.

"This is an attack on Waalwijk society", Theo van Bracht, chairman of foundation Wandelpark, said to the broadcaster. "It can be called disgusting to say the least."

The European horse-chestnut tree in Waalwijk was grown from a shoot of a tree that stood in the garden of a home on Keizergracht in Amsterdam. While in hiding from the Nazis in World War II, Anne Frank used to look out at this tree.

On Sunday morning, a hiker discovered that the tree trunk had been snapped and the information sign about Anne Frank was missing. The same thing happened last week. And early this month, the day before Remembrance Day, someone broke the tree's bark. Who is behind this, is not clear.

The Anne Frank tree has again been repaired. The trunk is now secured with adhesive tape and glue. Wet toilet paper will keep the break moist so that the tree sap flows can continue unhindered.

"We have invested a lot of energy in getting the offspring of this special tree to Waalwijk", Van Bracht said to the broadcaster. The tree cost between 5 thousand and 7 thousand euros, and there are only a few of them available.

Mayor Nol Kleijngeld will consult with foundation Wandelpark on measures to protect the tree. According to Van Bracht, the tree will not be moved. "We are not going to capitulate and put barbed wire around this special tree, would be completely bizarre."

‘We moeten massaal bloemen leggen uit protest’ Waalwijkers roepen op tot actie nadat #annefrank boom voor de derde keer is vernield. pic.twitter.com/QvaBaEYKJC

— Erik Peeters (@erik_peeters) May 22, 2018