Eva Schloss, the Stepsister of Anne Frank and Auschwitz Survivor, Passes Away at 96
The world has lost a remarkable woman, Eva Schloss, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 96. As the stepsister of Anne Frank, one of the most iconic victims of the Holocaust, Eva's life was forever intertwined with tragedy and loss. Yet, she dedicated her life to overcoming hatred and prejudice, promoting kindness, courage, understanding, and resilience through her tireless work for the Anne Frank Trust UK.
Eva's story began in Vienna under the name Eva Geiringer, where she grew up alongside her parents and brother. However, as the situation in the Netherlands worsened, her family was forced to move from house to house to evade capture, only to be betrayed by a Nazi sympathizer who handed them over to their fate. In 1944, at just 15 years old, Eva and her mother were brutally interrogated and sent on trains to Auschwitz, where they would spend three harrowing days in the infamous death camp.
Miraculously, Eva survived the horrors of Auschwitz, but not without losing her father and brother. She later moved to England, where she lived for over 70 years with her husband Zvi Schloss and their three daughters. When her mother married Otto Frank, Anne's father, Eva became his stepdaughter, forming a complex bond with the girl who would become one of the most famous women in history.
Eva's life took a dramatic turn when her mother married Otto Frank in 1953. The two families formed an unlikely alliance, as Eva and Anne grew up together under the same roof. In various interviews, Eva has spoken candidly about the differences between her and Anne - who she described as "much more mature and grown-up than me" - yet their bond remained strong.
After surviving Auschwitz, Eva dedicated her life to promoting Holocaust education and challenging prejudice. As a co-founder and honorary president of the Anne Frank Trust UK, she worked tirelessly to inspire young people to build a world free from hatred and discrimination. Her unwavering commitment earned her numerous accolades, including citizenship in the country of her birth at the age of 92.
In a statement, King Charles praised Eva's life, saying, "We are both privileged and proud to have known her, and we admired her deeply." The queen also paid tribute to Eva, describing her as a beacon of hope and resilience. Her family described their great sadness at the loss of "our dear mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother," but expressed pride in all that Eva stood for.
Eva Schloss's legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations to come. As Dan Green, chief executive of the Anne Frank Trust, so eloquently put it, "Her unwavering commitment to challenging prejudice through Holocaust education has left an indelible mark on countless lives."
The world has lost a remarkable woman, Eva Schloss, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 96. As the stepsister of Anne Frank, one of the most iconic victims of the Holocaust, Eva's life was forever intertwined with tragedy and loss. Yet, she dedicated her life to overcoming hatred and prejudice, promoting kindness, courage, understanding, and resilience through her tireless work for the Anne Frank Trust UK.
Eva's story began in Vienna under the name Eva Geiringer, where she grew up alongside her parents and brother. However, as the situation in the Netherlands worsened, her family was forced to move from house to house to evade capture, only to be betrayed by a Nazi sympathizer who handed them over to their fate. In 1944, at just 15 years old, Eva and her mother were brutally interrogated and sent on trains to Auschwitz, where they would spend three harrowing days in the infamous death camp.
Miraculously, Eva survived the horrors of Auschwitz, but not without losing her father and brother. She later moved to England, where she lived for over 70 years with her husband Zvi Schloss and their three daughters. When her mother married Otto Frank, Anne's father, Eva became his stepdaughter, forming a complex bond with the girl who would become one of the most famous women in history.
Eva's life took a dramatic turn when her mother married Otto Frank in 1953. The two families formed an unlikely alliance, as Eva and Anne grew up together under the same roof. In various interviews, Eva has spoken candidly about the differences between her and Anne - who she described as "much more mature and grown-up than me" - yet their bond remained strong.
After surviving Auschwitz, Eva dedicated her life to promoting Holocaust education and challenging prejudice. As a co-founder and honorary president of the Anne Frank Trust UK, she worked tirelessly to inspire young people to build a world free from hatred and discrimination. Her unwavering commitment earned her numerous accolades, including citizenship in the country of her birth at the age of 92.
In a statement, King Charles praised Eva's life, saying, "We are both privileged and proud to have known her, and we admired her deeply." The queen also paid tribute to Eva, describing her as a beacon of hope and resilience. Her family described their great sadness at the loss of "our dear mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother," but expressed pride in all that Eva stood for.
Eva Schloss's legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations to come. As Dan Green, chief executive of the Anne Frank Trust, so eloquently put it, "Her unwavering commitment to challenging prejudice through Holocaust education has left an indelible mark on countless lives."