Catholic Holocaust Education Center at Seton Hill University Plants Sapling from Anne Frank’s Tree to Honor Her Legacy in Pennsylvania

Imagine a young girl hiding in an attic during one of history’s darkest moments, finding hope by looking at a single tree outside her window.

Anne Frank, while hiding in Amsterdam during World War II, found comfort in watching a horse chestnut tree grow just outside the secret annex where she spent over two years in hiding.

Today, a small sapling grown from that very same tree has been planted at a Catholic Holocaust education center in Philadelphia, symbolizing remembrance, hope, and resilience that still blooms decades after Anne’s tragic death in 1945.

A Tree Planted to Keep Memory Alive

At Seton Hill University’s National Catholic Center for Holocaust Education, a heartfelt ceremony took place in early May to plant the 6-foot-tall horse chestnut tree donated by the Anne Frank Center USA.

This tree now takes a prominent place on campus, serving as a living tribute to Anne Frank’s story.

James Paharik, who directs the center and teaches sociology and behavioral health, shared how meaningful the tree is for the community.

“It’s a living testimony to the memory of Anne Frank and what she experienced,” he said.

Anne wrote in her diary about the tree’s springtime blooms, describing them as a powerful symbol of hope during dark times.

The Unique Mission Behind the Center

Founded in 1987 by two Catholic sisters, Sister Gemma Del Duca and Sister Mary Noel Kernan, the National Catholic Center for Holocaust Education was one of the first of its kind in the U.S.

Their goal was clear: to combat antisemitism, educate people about the Holocaust, and honor the victims.

Sister Gemma, now in her 90s, was present at the tree-planting ceremony despite her health challenges, witnessing the fruit of her lifelong dedication.

When asked what inspired her to start the center, Paharik smiled, saying, “Sometimes, sisters get an inspiration and they follow it.”

A Journey of Faith and Understanding

The center’s roots go back to Sister Gemma’s interfaith work, including her partnership with Father Isaac Jacob, a monk interested in Christian-Jewish dialogue.

Together, they even traveled to Israel in the 1970s and helped create a community focused on promoting understanding between Jews and Catholics.

For Sister Gemma, this work was a deeply personal journey.

She learned Hebrew, attended synagogue services, and embraced her Catholic faith fully—all to build bridges between two faith communities with a complex history. “It’s a journey of the heart,” Paharik explained.

Inspired by Vatican II and Nostra Aetate

The sisters’ work was also inspired by the 1965 Vatican II document Nostra Aetate, which encouraged respectful dialogue and greater understanding between Catholics and other faiths, especially Judaism.

This landmark document celebrated its 60th anniversary recently.

Paharik recalled Sister Gemma saying, “It’s a journey of faith,” reflecting her mission to unite rather than divide, turning centuries of animosity into a positive relationship.

Growing Influence and Community Impact

Over 35 years later, the center has become a respected voice in interreligious dialogue, helping to bring together Christians and Jews through conferences, prayers, and educational outreach.

It also supports Holocaust education for students in grades six through twelve, offering them a tangible connection to history through the Anne Frank tree on campus.

“When students read Anne Frank’s diary and then see the tree she wrote about, it makes the experience so much more vivid and real,” Paharik noted.

Responding to Ongoing Challenges

The center’s work isn’t just about history; it also responds to present-day acts of antisemitism.

For example, the tragic 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh deeply affected the local community near Seton Hill.

The center interviewed Holocaust survivors in the area, documenting their stories as powerful educational resources.

One survivor even narrowly escaped the shooting, underscoring the urgent need to confront hate and violence wherever it arises.

A Call for Respect and Human Dignity

Paharik emphasized that their work is rooted in Christian teaching about the sanctity of all human life.

“To stereotype, discriminate, or hate people because of who they are or their faith is sinful,” he said.

By educating, remembering, and fostering dialogue, the National Catholic Center for Holocaust Education hopes to honor the past and build a more understanding and compassionate future.