Ever since its initial publication in 1947, Anne Frank’s Diary remains one of the most famous accounts of the lives of European Jews during the Holocaust. A globally renowned work for its poignant and intimate perspective, Anne’s illustration of the everyday life of her family in hiding has given the world the privilege of being able to experience the fear, anxiety, and hope that the Franks & Van Pels felt everyday inside of their Secret Annex. Anne, as an aspiring young writer, was able to use her literary talents to allow readers into her own world through only words—simultaneously introducing us to her calm, brilliant older sister, Margot Frank.

While Anne has been remembered internationally for her forever echoing words that serve as a symbol for all Holocaust victims, the first-hand perspective of Margot is one that has unfortunately been lost to time, due to her own diary having never been recovered. As a result, she remains a sort of mysterious, hard to understand background figure to the average public, despite her significant love for Anne and presence in the diary. Nonetheless, this loss does not mean that Margot can only be remembered behind the shoulder of her younger sister. On the contrary, an Instagram account dedicated to preserving and honoring the life and memory of Margot Frank has established an upcoming tribute that can be contributed to by anyone in the world.

On February 16th, 2026, Margot will officially turn 100 years old—81 years after her murder in the Bergen-Belsen Concentration camp from Typhus fever, at the age of 18 or 19 years old. In celebration of her birthday, the fan account “margot.frank” has taken the initiative to use this opportunity to establish a fundraiser for the Elias-Frank Haus in Basel, Switzerland, which is unfortunately in danger of being sold.

This historical home served as a refuge for the Elias-Frank family before, during, and after World War II. It housed many of Anne & Margot’s family members, including their cousin, Buddy Elias (1925-2015) and their father, Otto Frank, who lived in the house after surviving the war, and where he worked to spread Anne’s message of tolerance, hope, and resilience in times of despair. The grandchildren of Buddy Elias, Hannah & Leyb Elias, want to save the house and turn it into a public place where people are able to come together and establish dialogue, remembrance and discussion. In order for any donations sent to the Elias Frank Haus to count towards Margot Frank’s 100th birthday fundraiser, a screenshot must be sent to the @margot.frank account on Instagram or the Margot Frank Remembrance Facebook page. For more information, any questions can be answered by contacting the Elias Frank Haus’ Instagram or their website: eliasfrankhaus.org. 

The memory of Margot is one surrounded by love and admiration. Her story is a testament to the resistance and strength one possesses in times of persecution. Margot, like all of the victims who were killed in the Holocaust, had a future that was stolen from them. Before her death, Margot had a life decorated with aspirations, interests, and academic excellence. Her father, Otto Frank, described her as “The cleverest, the kindest, the prettiest, and the best.” Outside of the fundraiser, a second option for her 100th birthday to be celebrated is through a video collaboration also organized by the @margot.frank account. Individuals wishing to participate must send a video or audio recording of them explaining what they admire and remember Margot for. There have already been several contributions from across the world to the tribute, and the deadline is January 1st, 2026. Leia Rebudal, a student at Eleanor Roosevelt, has said that she, “greatly admires Margot simply for having the courage to try to survive in the conditions of the Annex,” And that, “It’s really sad we never got to read her diary, and know more about her.”

Even if majority students at Eleanor Roosevelt do not have a passionate interest in WWII or history in general, it still stands that this is an opportunity for both teachers and students alike to continue the message of the Frank family, and help let the public know that the Holocaust will never be forgotten—and allow the memory of Margot to live on for her 100th anniversary of her life.