Eva Schloss, Holocaust Survivor and Step-Sister to Anne Frank, Dies at 96
Eva Schloss, a dedicated Holocaust educator and the last surviving link to the famed Frank family, has passed away at the age of 96. Her foundation announced the news sunday, prompting an outpouring of grief and remembrance. Schloss devoted her life to sharing her experiences and ensuring the lessons of the Holocaust were never forgotten.
Her family expressed profound sadness, describing her as a “remarkable woman” and a “tireless” advocate for remembrance, understanding, and peace. She was a beacon of hope and resilience, inspiring countless individuals with her story.
A Childhood Interrupted by War
Born Eva Geiringer in Austria in 1929,her early life was irrevocably altered by the rise of Nazism. Initially, her family sought refuge in Belgium before ultimately settling in Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, near the home of Anne Frank and her family.
Interestingly, Eva and Anne were contemporaries, sharing a friendship and frequently enough playing together before the escalating horrors of war forced both families into hiding. This shared experience forged a unique, though tragically brief, connection.
Hiding and the horrors of Auschwitz
From 1942, both families lived under the constant threat of revelation. Sadly, Eva’s family was betrayed in 1944 by a Nazi sympathizer, leading to their arrest on her fifteenth birthday. They were immediately deported to the Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp.
During this horrific ordeal, Eva was separated from her father and brother, both of whom tragically perished in the camps. Though, she managed to maintain contact with her mother, a lifeline amidst unimaginable suffering.
A New Family and a Lifelong Mission
Following liberation in 1945, Eva relocated to London to pursue her education. There, she met and married Zvi Schloss, and together they raised three daughters.
Remarkably, her mother, Elfriede, returned to amsterdam and later married Otto Frank, Anne’s father, who was also a widower after surviving Auschwitz. This union created a unique family bond, making Eva a step-sister to the iconic Anne Frank.
Eva and Zvi Schloss became British citizens, and Eva later regained her Austrian citizenship in 2021 at the age of 92.
Championing remembrance and Understanding
In 1990, Eva Schloss co-founded the Anne Frank Trust UK, an institution dedicated to educating young people about the Holocaust and combating prejudice. Through this work, she reached countless students, sharing her personal story and fostering empathy.
She authored several books detailing her experiences and traveled the world as a speaker, ensuring her message of tolerance and understanding resonated globally. Her dedication was recognized in 2013 when she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
A Legacy of Hope
Eva Schloss’s passing marks the end of an era. She was a powerful voice for those silenced by the Holocaust and a living testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
You can honor her memory by continuing to learn about the Holocaust, challenging prejudice, and working towards a more peaceful and just world. Her story serves as a vital reminder of the dangers of hatred and the importance of remembering the past to safeguard the future.
Anne Frank tragically died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in 1945, but her legacy, and now Eva Schloss’s, will continue to inspire generations.
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