Proceeds from Anne Frank diary project to go to New Israel Fund

Israel-bound proceeds from the sale of Anne Frank’s diary will now go to projects supported by the New Israel Fund, despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s public war on the organisation.

The announcement of a partnership between the Swiss-based Anne Frank Fonds Basel, which was set up by Frank’s father Otto, and New Israel Fund (NIF) was announced on the eve of Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day.

The Basel-based foundation represents the families descended from Anne Frank, is responsible for publishing Anne Frank’s diary worldwide and other writings, and provides funding to projects around the world that embody Anne Frank’s spirit.

“Anne’s writing became a symbol of justice, respect, and accepting differences to all of humanity,” the foundation said in a statement.

“These values are the pillars of NIF’s work in promoting a State of Israel that is more democratic and an Israeli society that is more just. The new partnership will strengthen the work of our two organisations and imbue Israeli society with these values.”

The foundation’s choice of NIF will be seen as a slap in the face for Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition allies, who have accused the non-governmental organisation of “endangering the future of Israel”.

The prime minister accused the organisation of scuttling a deal to forcibly deport thousands of African migrants to Rwanda, threatening a parliamentary commission.

NIF UK chief executive Adam Ognall said Netanyahu was “lashing out to deflect attention from his own morally bankrupt choices”.

NIF Israel director Mickey Gitzin said it was “a great honour for NIF to receive this vote of confidence from the Anne Frank Foundation”.

He added: “This strategic cooperation will strengthen our activities in all areas: the struggle for social justice, promoting a shared society, advancing women’s rights, the struggle against racism and more. This partnership will help us in our work toward a more values-oriented Israeli society, one of greater equality and justice.”