Eva Schloss, Anne Frank's Stepsister, Dies at 96

Eva Schloss, a Holocaust survivor and the stepsister of Anne Frank, has passed away at the age of 96. Her life was deeply intertwined with one of history's most recognized figures, providing a personal lens through which to view the atrocities of World War II.

Schloss was a contemporary of Anne Frank in Amsterdam, where the two lived opposite one another. After the war, her mother, Elfriede, married Otto Frank, uniting their families. Beyond her personal connection to the Frank family, Schloss dedicated herself to education, co-founding the Anne Frank Trust UK to promote Holocaust awareness.

The early life of Eva Schloss was marked by her proximity to Anne Frank in Amsterdam. The two young girls lived in close quarters, with their homes situated opposite one another. This geographical closeness would later become a significant part of their shared history, as both families faced the dangers of the Nazi occupation.

During the war, both the Schloss and Frank families went into hiding. Unfortunately, both were eventually discovered and deported. Schloss survived the Auschwitz concentration camp, enduring the hardships that defined that period. Her survival allowed her to carry forward the memories of those who were lost, including her friend Anne.

Following the end of the Second World War, the surviving members of the two families saw their lives intersect in a profound way. Elfriede, Eva's mother, married Otto Frank. Otto was the father of Anne Frank and the sole survivor of his immediate family.

This marriage formally made Eva Schloss the stepsister of Anne Frank, a role that she would carry for the rest of her life. The union of the two families created a blended household that was built on a foundation of shared loss and resilience.

In the decades following the war, Eva Schloss became a prominent voice for Holocaust remembrance. She dedicated much of her time to ensuring that the story of Anne Frank and the millions of other victims was not forgotten.

Schloss played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Anne Frank Trust UK. She served as a co-founder of the organization, which focuses on Holocaust education. Through this work, she helped bring the history of the Holocaust to students and communities, using Anne's diary and their shared experiences as powerful educational tools.

The passing of Eva Schloss marks the end of a direct link to the personal story of Anne Frank. Her life spanned nearly a century of history, from the darkest days of the Holocaust to the present day. She remained a vital witness to history, sharing her testimony to educate future generations.

Her work with the Anne Frank Trust UK ensures that her legacy, and that of her stepsister, will continue to inspire and educate. By co-founding the trust, she helped create a permanent institution for Holocaust education in the United Kingdom and beyond.