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Merwedeplein

The Merwedeplein is a square located in the symmetrical axis of the Rivierenbuurt in Amsterdam, behind the Skyscraper and in the extension of the Vrijheidslaan. All plots on the square, as well as the Deltastraat and the Skyscraper, have been thoroughly restored a few years ago so that the yellow brick facades are clearly visible again.

Anne Frank, Ben Ali Libi and Herbert Nelson Edit Due to the increasing anti-Semitism, the Frank family moved from Frankfurt am Main (Germany) to Amsterdam in 1933. They involved a spacious home at the Merwedeplein 37, 2 high, in the Amsterdam Rivierenbuurt. The family lived there until their hiding period, which began on 6 July 1942.

In June 1942 there was a raid on the Merwedeplein. This included Michel Velleman, alias 'Ben Ali Libi, the magician' arrested. He was taken away with almost his entire family and killed in the Sobibor death camp. At number 23 the half-Jewish son of the famous and in hiding German cabaret artist Rudolf Nelson lived at the same time. This Herbert Nelson organized an underground satirical and political cabaret with help from the Resistance. It remained undiscovered throughout the war.

On July 9, 2005, a statue was unveiled at the Merwedeplein in memory of Anne Frank by Mayor of the City of Amsterdam Job Cohen. The statue was created by visual artist Jet Schepp and presents Anne Frank who, just before leaving for her hiding place, looks back once more at the home she just had to say goodbye.