Question

Read the excerpt from The Diary of Anne Frank. Miep. I made up the beds . . . the way Mr. Frank and Mr. Kraler said. (She starts out.) Forgive me. I have to hurry. I've got to go to the other side of town to get some ration books for you. Mrs. Van Daan. Ration books? If they see our names on ration books, they'll know we're here. Mr. Kraler. There isn't anything . . . Miep. Don't worry. Your names won't be on them. (As she hurries out) I'll be up later. Why is it important that the Van Daan and Frank family names do not appear on the ration books?

Answer 1

Ration books were issued during the war to make sure that everyone had access to basic goods, while at the same time preventing stockpiling. Each person had a book, which entitled them to a certain amount of products.

However, Anne Frank and her family are hiding from the Gestapo (the Nazi police) because they are Jewish, and Jewish people were persecuted, sent to concentration camps or executed during the war. If the government were to see their names, they would know their location, and would most likely arrest them.

Answer 2

Because if their names were on the ration books, they'd know that they are Jewish, and Miep would be forced to give their location to the authorities. At the time they would be caught and sent to concentration camps.