The world has lost a powerful voice of memory and resilience. Eva Schloss, a Holocaust survivor who became the posthumous stepsister of diarist Anne Frank, has passed away at the age of 96. Her death was confirmed by the Anne Frank Trust UK, an organization she supported for decades.
A Life Shaped by War and Loss
Eva Schloss's story is one of unimaginable hardship and remarkable courage. Born Eva Geiringer on May 11, 1928, in Vienna, Austria, her life changed forever with the rise of the Nazis. Her family fled to Amsterdam, where they lived in the same neighborhood as the Frank family. Young Eva and Anne Frank, who were both 11 at the time, even played together, though they were not close friends.
In 1944, after two years in hiding, Eva's family was betrayed and captured by the Nazis. She, along with her mother Elfriede 'Fritzi' Geiringer, was sent to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. Tragically, her father Erich and brother Heinz did not survive the horrors of the camps. Eva and her mother were liberated from Auschwitz by Soviet troops in January 1945.
Becoming Part of Anne Frank's Legacy
After the war, Eva's mother, Fritzi, married Otto Frank, Anne Frank's father, in 1953. This union made Eva the posthumous stepsister of the young diarist whose words would later educate millions about the Holocaust. While Eva initially struggled to speak about her own traumatic experiences, the publication of Anne's diary had a profound impact on her.
For many years, Eva chose silence, building a life in London where she ran an antique shop. However, witnessing the growing wave of Holocaust denial and antisemitism compelled her to share her story. She began speaking publicly in the 1980s, dedicating her life to ensuring the world would never forget the atrocities committed during the Second World War.
A Tireless Advocate Against Hate
Eva Schloss became a renowned author and humanitarian. She published her memoir, Eva's Story, and later, The Promise, which detailed her brother Heinz's life and artwork. She worked closely with the Anne Frank Trust UK, serving as a trustee and patron, and traveled extensively to share her testimony with students and world leaders alike.
Her mission was clear: to combat prejudice and hatred in all its forms. She received numerous honors for her work, including an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2012. The Anne Frank Trust UK stated her death marks "the loss of a great force for good and for truth."
Eva Schloss is survived by her three daughters and grandchildren. Her passing leaves a void, but her indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to education and tolerance will continue to inspire future generations. Her life stands as a solemn reminder of the depths of human cruelty and the enduring power of the human spirit to overcome and educate.
