Queen Maxima of the Netherlands recently completed her emotional visit to the United States, where she served not only as the Dutch queen but also as the UN's ambassador for financial health.
Her visit to the U.S. spanned from February 19 to 25, concluding with poignant events both in Washington, D.C., and New York City. During her time in Washington, Maxima attended important meetings with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, emphasizing her commitment to global financial health.
On February 25, she visited the Anne Frank exhibition at the Jewish Historical Society of New York. This traveling exhibition, which has deep historical roots tied to the Jewish community during World War II, showcases the life of Anne Frank, who became one of the most recognized Jewish victims of the Holocaust through her diary, penned during her family's two years of hiding from the Nazis.
The exhibit included life-size replicas of the secret annex where Anne and her family lived, helping visitors understand the harrowing circumstances faced by Jews at the time. Maxima was visibly moved by the exhibition, especially as she explored photographs of young Anne taken before she and her family fled to the Netherlands.
"There was no question—she was clearly affected by the stories and the images displayed," stated Ronald Leopold, executive director of the Anne Frank Foundation, who guided her during the visit. Leopold’s organization has maintained the Anne Frank House, which is now a significant site for heads of state visiting the Netherlands.
The exhibition not only reminded Maxima of the importance of remembering such histories, but it also provided an opportunity for her to engage with students from Great Neck North High School. During her interaction with the students, she participated in discussions about anti-Semitism and the necessity of memory, reinforcing the importance of educational efforts against discrimination.
Maxima's visit wasn't merely ceremonial; it was part of her continuing efforts to highlight the need for global cooperation against rising anti-Semitism. Meeting with representatives from the local Jewish community, she took the time to share thoughts on their experiences and how communities can work together to counter hate.
Responses from those who met with Maxima highlighted her empathy and commitment. Leo Ullman, one of the Holocaust survivors present, remarked, "They have always been important supporters of the Dutch Jewish community, and we owe them much." Reflecting on the royal family's history of backing anti-discrimination efforts, the sentiment has only grown since the recent rise of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia following the escalation of conflict in the Middle East.
Leopold also described the queen as "a gentle and approachable woman, dedicated to fighting discrimination of any form." Her visit to the exhibit fittingly culminated her U.S. trip, linking past trials faced by the Jewish community to present-day challenges.
The royal couple has recently increased their outreach to both Jewish and Muslim communities within the Netherlands, aimed at fostering dialogue and fighting rising prejudices as they emerge against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions.
Maxima’s engagement with the Anne Frank exhibition stands as an important reminder of the significant legacy of the Frank family. The exposure was not only personal for her but also reflected the universal values of tolerance, compassion, and historical memory.
Accompanied during various events by her husband, King Willem-Alexander, the trip came on the heels of commemorative events marking the release from Auschwitz, showcasing the royal family's dedication to social issues. Maxima's presence at such poignant exhibitions, where history teaches about enduring struggles, resonates with her role at the UN and her advocacy for human rights.