Demonstrators waving Nazi flags gathered outside the Howell American Legion post on Saturday night, disrupting a performance of "The Diary of Anne Frank." This incident has sparked outrage and concern within the community and highlighted the rising tide of antisemitism.
The protest unfolded just as the audience was enjoying the poignant play, which tells the story of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl who went underground during World War II to escape the Nazis. Bobby Brite, past commander of the American Legion's Devereaux Post 141, documented the scene, noting about 10 masked individuals making their presence known with swastika flags.
“They showed up for about 30 minutes, chanting slurs and yelling derogatory remarks like ‘Anne Frank was a whore’,” Brite shared. Such comments are particularly egregious considering Anne Frank died at just 15 years old at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.
This incident follows the Anti-Defamation League's report highlighting the sustained rise of antisemitic incidents across Michigan, with 267 total incidents recorded during 2023 alone, which is up from 111 the previous year.
Even though the protests created palpable tension, Brite and other veterans ensured the safety of the audience as they exited the building. “No one should feel unsafe when coming to witness art,” Brite emphasized, reflecting on the discomfort many felt during and after the performance. Audience members were reportedly informed about the protests during the intermission of the play, acknowledging the stressful atmosphere.
Chuck Firman, president of the Fowlerville Community Theatre, who was present during the demonstration, remarked on the fear and uncertainty reflected by the worries of both cast and crew. Despite the turmoil, he praised the cast for completing the performance professionally. “The show must go on,” he asserted. “We are telling real stories, real people who suffered horrific injustices.”
The theater community expressed solidarity, stating, “We endeavor to tell these stories to remind ourselves of the dangers of hate and intolerance.” Their message is clear: extremists like those who protested outside aim to silence voices, but art, and especially the story of Anne Frank, continues to be told.
Local officials were quick to condemn the actions of the protesters. U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin, who is Jewish and recently elected to the Senate, spoke out against the hateful display, addressing the protesters directly. “Nazis always lose,” she stated, urging everyone to unite against hate.
The event was not the first of its kind to draw attention to Howell's history concerning white supremacy. Earlier this year, similar protests erupted, prompting community conversations about racism and antisemitism. Local leaders and citizens are rallying together, hoping to reject hate and promote inclusion.
"We are disgusted by the far-right extremists who praised Hitler and waved Nazi flags outside of this production," the Michigan chapter of the Anti-Defamation League expressed on social media. Their stance emphasizes resilience against hate and the importance of community solidarity.
Representatives from the theater and the American Legion are collaborating with law enforcement to navigate these troubling incidents, ensuring safety for future cultural events. They reiterated their commitment to educating the public and fostering discussions around history, art, and the dangers of neglecting past horrors.
“Silencing these voices is not the solution,” Brite stated firmly. “Instead, let us use our space to educate, to bring the past to light and to heal.” The American Legion, known for its support of veterans and community events, stands by this commitment, championing venues for performances like Anne Frank's story as reminders of the struggles faced by countless individuals.
Despite the disheartening nature of the protests, the atmosphere within the American Legion and surrounding the theater is one of defiance and solidarity. Residents are coming together, advocating for change and resilience. “Art is powerful, and so are the voices in our community,” Slotkin concluded, highlighting the importance of fighting back against divisive rhetoric and actions. “We will continue to tell stories of strength, love, and resilience, especially now.”
