Eva Schloss, an Auschwitz survivor and the stepsister of Anne Frank, has passed away in London at the age of 96. Schloss was renowned for her lifelong commitment to Holocaust education and her efforts to combat prejudice and hatred.
The death of Schloss marks a profound loss for both the Holocaust education community and those dedicated to preserving the memory of the horrors of World War II. As a survivor, her stories were vital in conveying the importance of remembrance, understanding, and the need for tolerance in today’s society.
Key Developments
- Eva Schloss died in London, where she had resided for many years.
- Britain’s King Charles III praised her dedication to promoting kindness and courage through her work.
- Schloss became closely associated with the Anne Frank Trust UK, serving as its honorary president.
- She spent decades speaking about her experiences and contributing to Holocaust education globally.
- Her family released a statement honoring her legacy and impact on future generations.
Full Report
Life and Legacy
Born Eva Geiringer in Vienna in 1929, Schloss fled to Amsterdam with her family after Nazi Germany annexed Austria. There, she befriended Anne Frank, who would later document her experiences in a diary that became iconic. Like Anne’s family, Schloss’s family was forced into hiding during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.
Eventually, they were betrayed, captured, and sent to Auschwitz. While Schloss and her mother survived the camp’s liberation in 1945, her father and brother were among those who perished. After the war, she relocated to Britain, married Zvi Schloss, and started a family.
Advocacy and Education
For decades, Schloss remained silent about her traumatic experiences, noting in a 2004 interview that she struggled to connect due to the lingering effects of wartime trauma. However, motivated by a desire to educate younger generations, she began speaking publicly after participating in an Anne Frank exhibition in 1986. Her mission led her to speak in a variety of settings, including schools and international conferences, and to publish works such as “Eva’s Story: A Survivor’s Tale by the Stepsister of Anne Frank.”
Up until her 90s, Schloss continued to advocate for Holocaust education, taking part in campaigns addressing modern issues such as Holocaust denial. Notably, in 2019, she confronted a group of teenagers in California who had been photographed making Nazi salutes, emphasizing the need for education in overcoming hate.
Reactions
King Charles III expressed his admiration for Schloss, stating he felt “privileged and proud” to have known her. He highlighted her dedication to fostering resilience and mutual respect through her educational initiatives. Her family described her as a “remarkable woman,” and they hope her legacy will inspire future generations through her writings and advocacy work.
Context & Previous Events
During the Holocaust, millions of Jews and other marginalized groups were systematically exterminated by the Nazi regime. Schloss’s personal history is intertwined with that of Anne Frank, who perished at a young age in a concentration camp. The vitality of Holocaust education has become increasingly important as the number of survivors diminishes, with recent reports estimating that 70% of remaining survivors may pass away in the next decade.
