The Franks' decision to go into hiding was not, however, an unusual one. Of the...

The Franks' decision to go into hiding was not, however, an unusual one. Of the Jews living in Holland between 1942 and 1943, twenty thousand and perhaps as many as thirty thousand-the estimates vary widely-saw going into hiding as their only alternative to deportation. "We are quite used to the idea of people in hiding, or 'underground,' as in bygone days one was used to Daddy's bedroom slippers warming in front of the fire," Anne noted {Jan. 28, 1944; vers. B/C}. But the way the Franks went into hiding was by no means typical. Most families separated, with the parents entrusting their children to the care of organized resistance groups. They drummed new family names into the chilren's heads, names that didn't sound Jewish, and arranged for them to live with people who-at least to the children-were utter strangers. The adults sought out other refugees. Most married couples had to separate. Very few of those who went into hiding could rely on the kind of loyal, well-organized team of helpers the Franks had, selfless people whom they had known for years and who not only provided them with essentials but also stood by them as friends, even bringing them gifts on their birthdays and holidays.

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