In a stirring tribute to resilience and remembrance, Dr. Irene Butter—a child Holocaust survivor, esteemed educator, and peace activist—is set to receive the prestigious 2025 Anne Frank Award for Human Dignity and Tolerance. The award will be presented during Dutch Tulip Days, a four-day celebration marking 80 years of freedom and the liberation of the Netherlands near the end of World War II.
The ceremony, held on March 25 at the elegant residence of Ambassador Birgitta Tazelaar, promises to be an event steeped in historical reflection and a commitment to combating hatred. Dr. Butter’s life story is nothing short of extraordinary. Fleeing Nazi-occupied Germany with her family in 1937, she grew up in Amsterdam where she even forged a friendship with Anne Frank. Despite enduring the horrors of Bergen-Belsen concentration camp—a harrowing ordeal that claimed the life of her father—Dr. Butter emerged as a beacon of hope, emigrating to the United States at age 15 and dedicating her life to educating Americans about the Holocaust.
At 94, Dr. Butter’s legacy is a testament to her unwavering dedication to human dignity and tolerance. As an author, lecturer, and co-founder of initiatives such as the Raoul Wallenberg Medal & Lecture series and Zeitouna, she has relentlessly championed the cause of remembrance and the fight against antisemitism. Her recognition with the Anne Frank Award underscores not only her personal triumph over adversity but also her role as an enduring advocate for peace.
Adding further gravitas to the ceremony, Dr. Kathrin Meyer—former Secretary General of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA)—will be honored with the 2025 Anne Frank Special Recognition Award. Dr. Meyer’s work with the IHRA, an intergovernmental organization dedicated to advancing Holocaust education and remembrance, has been instrumental in shaping global conversations on antisemitism and human rights.
The event will also feature opening remarks by Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Co-chair of the US Congressional Caucus on the Kingdom of the Netherlands, whose presence highlights the ceremony’s international significance. Set against a backdrop of thousands of tulips and cut flowers—symbolizing hope, renewal, and remembrance—the festivities will also pay homage to American icons such as Rosie the Riveter, as well as the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten, where over 8,000 American soldiers are interred.
This momentous occasion, coinciding with Dutch Tulip Days, not only commemorates the liberation of the Netherlands but also serves as a clarion call against hate and antisemitism. By celebrating Dr. Butter’s extraordinary journey—from a child in Nazi-occupied Europe to a revered voice for human dignity—the ceremony reaffirms a shared commitment to ensuring that the lessons of history guide us toward a more tolerant future.
I cannot think of anyone more noteworthy than Dr. Irene Butter to receive this significant and meaningful honor. Congratulations Irene.