Foundation objects to Germany's plan to name train after Anne Frank

The Anne Frank Foundation has serious objections to a plan to name a German train after Anne Frank. The Deutsche Bahn asked the German public to nominate names for its new trains, and Anne Frank was mentioned several times. But the association thinks that naming a train after the Jewish girl will only result in associations with Jews being deported on trains during World War II, Het Parool reports.

"The naming causes controversy and we understand that. The combination of Anne Frank and a train calls for associations with Jewish persecutions and deportations during World War II. The combination is painful for people who experienced deportations and causes pain to those still carrying the consequences of then", the foundation said, according to the newspaper.

"We realize that initiatives like these are often done with good intentions", the Anne Frank Foundation emphasized, adding that the Foundation will not take any legal action against the naming. "Should the German Railways ask us for advice, then we will say: do not do it."

The German rail company is still looking into the matter, and the commotion it caused, and will give a reaction later on Monday. The company emphasized that it is not taking the matter lightly. "As Deutsche Bahn we are aware of our responsibilities, and since our foundation we have handled the history of the organizations that preceded us critically", the company said, according to Het Parool.

The jury that nominated names for the new German trains, said that Anne Frank stands for tolerance and peaceful coexistence with other cultures.