Eva Schloss, a survivor of Auschwitz and stepsister to Anne Frank, passed away at the age of 96 in London, where she resided. King Charles expressed his admiration for Schloss, co-founder of the Anne Frank Trust UK, an organization dedicated to combating prejudice among youth. Schloss, born Eva Geiringer in Vienna in 1929, fled to Amsterdam with her family after Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany. She formed a friendship with Anne Frank, and both families went into hiding in the Netherlands to evade capture by the Nazis. Despite being betrayed and sent to Auschwitz, Schloss and her mother survived until the camp’s liberation in 1945, while her father and brother perished there.
After the war, Schloss settled in London after marrying German Jewish refugee Zvi Schloss. She remained silent about her wartime experiences for many years, citing trauma that left her emotionally withdrawn. However, in 1986, following an Anne Frank exhibition in London, Schloss dedicated herself to Holocaust education, speaking at various events and penning books like “Eva’s Story: A Survivor’s Tale by the Stepsister of Anne Frank.” Even in her 90s, she continued her activism, advocating against Holocaust denial and promoting tolerance through education.
Schloss’s family described her as an extraordinary individual, emphasizing her commitment to Holocaust education and peace efforts. Her legacy lives on through the educational materials and initiatives she leaves behind. Eva Schloss is survived by her three daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.