A shocking display of hate marred a local theater performance of The Diary of Anne Frank in Howell, Michigan, as masked demonstrators brandishing Nazi flags gathered outside the American Legion Post 141, shouting antisemitic and racist slurs. The disturbing incident left theatergoers feeling shaken and raised fresh concerns about rising antisemitism in the U.S.
Hate Unleashed Outside Anne Frank Play
The troubling protest unfolded Saturday evening as theatergoers arrived at the American Legion Post to see The Diary of Anne Frank, a play highlighting the horrors of the Holocaust. Witnesses reported several masked men waving Nazi flags and hurling antisemitic insults at the crowd. Many attendees were deeply unsettled, including Army veteran Bobby Brite, who told WXYZ that people felt “shocked” and “appalled” by the hostile scene.
Brite noted that after the performance, many of the 75 theatergoers were too frightened to leave unescorted. “No one in America should feel like that,” Brite stated, reflecting the sentiments of those present.
Protest Spreads to Nearby Town
Eyewitnesses also reported similar scenes in the nearby town of Fowlerville, where Alex Sutliff and his wife encountered masked men waving Nazi flags and chanting antisemitic phrases as they drove through town. Sutliff recounted that the group shouted “Heil Hitler, Heil Trump” as he passed through a stoplight. The couple quickly alerted local police and returned to warn the demonstrators that authorities were on their way.
According to Sutliff, the protesters dispersed as soon as they heard police were on their way, indicating a coordinated and covert operation.
Response from Local Authorities and Theater Group
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed they are investigating the incident and are searching for the demonstrators, including tracking footage posted on social media. The Fowlerville Community Theatre, which staged the production, expressed shock and disappointment in a statement following the event. The group highlighted the play’s focus on historical atrocities and noted that “the presence of protesters gave us a small glimpse of the fear felt by those in hiding during the Holocaust.”
The American Legion and local residents condemned the hateful display, underscoring that such actions do not reflect community values. “As a theatre, we want people to reflect and remember,” the theater group stated, “so that the atrocities of the past aren’t repeated.”
Growing Antisemitic Incidents Across the U.S.
The protest in Howell marks another troubling incident in a recent wave of antisemitic actions. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Michigan chapter expressed dismay on social media, describing the protesters as “far-right extremists who praised Hitler and waved Nazi flags.” In July, Howell saw a similar demonstration, with white supremacists marching through the streets, reflecting an unsettling trend.
According to recent ADL data, threats against Jewish communities in the U.S. have tripled since October 7, following the violent attacks on Israel by Hamas. Rising antisemitism has sparked hate crimes, with reports of bias-motivated incidents targeting Jews, Muslims, and Arabs surging nationwide. The ADL’s statement emphasized that “the threat to our communities is real and growing.”
Broader Repercussions: A Nation on Edge
In addition to rising domestic incidents, incidents of antisemitism have emerged in global cities like Amsterdam, where a statue of Anne Frank was recently vandalized with the word “Gaza” scrawled in red paint. The rise in antisemitic incidents across the globe serves as a somber reminder of how hate and discrimination continue to threaten society.
In Michigan, The Diary of Anne Frank performance struck a deeper chord with both performers and the audience. As the cast and crew endeavored to tell Anne’s story with realism, the presence of protesters outside reminded them of the terrifying experiences of Jews in hiding during World War II. “This is exactly why we do this work,” the theater company stated, “to remind people of the consequences of hate.”
Law Enforcement Response and Next Steps
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office has launched a probe into the events, with authorities committed to identifying the demonstrators involved. Footage from nearby security cameras and social media posts will be critical in helping to track down those responsible.
Way forward
The alarming protest outside The Diary of Anne Frank highlights a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents in the U.S. While the community condemns the hatred, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing need to stand against bigotry and educate future generations. Through productions like The Diary of Anne Frank, theaters aim to foster empathy and understanding, working to prevent the darkest chapters of history from being repeated.
By shedding light on past atrocities and confronting current expressions of hate, communities can strive to build a future grounded in respect, tolerance, and compassion.
