Melbourne-based B’nai Brith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) has expressed its horror and outrage that hundreds of copies of Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl have been defaced in several municipal libraries across Tokyo.

Dvir Abramowich

More than 250 copies of the book have been torn in libraries across Tokyo.

Anti-semitism has never been a major issue in Japand although one book written on the atomic bomb attack stated that the name of the aircraft which dropped the bomb on Hiroshima, Enola Gay, translated into “kill the Emperor” in Yiddish.

Chairman of the ADC, Dr Dvir Abramovich said: “This shameful and cowardly desecration of Holocaust memory is clearly driven by hate- mongers and bigots who wish to destroy Anne Franks’ enduring legacy and her words of courage and hope that have inspired millions. We commend the Japanese government for publicly condemning this reprehensible antisemitic attack and trust that law enforcement agencies will act swiftly in identifying and bringing to justice those responsible. These despicable incidents should be a cause for alarm not only for the Jewish people but for anyone who is concerned about the global increase in prejudice and intolerance. Sadly, there are still antisemitic forces who seek to target Jews and disrespect the Holocaust and its victims, and the ADC calls on all governments to denounce these despicable attacks and ensure that educational programs about the Holocaust and the dangers of racism are widely taught in their countries.”