Eva Schloss, Stepsister of Anne Frank, Passes Away at 96

Eva Schloss, the stepsister of famed diarist Anne Frank and a Holocaust survivor, has died at the age of 96. Her passing was confirmed on March 30, 2024, in a tribute by her family published in the Jewish News. They expressed their “great sadness” at the loss of their “dear mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.”

In a heartfelt statement, King Charles paid tribute to Schloss, acknowledging their connection during a visit to a Jewish community centre in north London in 2022. He remarked that he and Queen Camilla had “admired her deeply” and felt “privileged and proud” to have known her. The King emphasized the horrors Schloss endured as a young woman, noting her lifelong commitment to combating hatred and prejudice through her work with the Anne Frank Trust UK.

Schloss’s Early Life and Experiences

Born as Eva Geiringer in Vienna, Schloss grew up with her parents and brother before relocating to Amsterdam. It was there that she met Anne Frank, forming a bond that would last until the tragic circumstances of their youth. As the Nazi regime tightened its grip, Schloss and her family moved frequently to evade capture. Ultimately, they were betrayed by a Nazi sympathiser. On her 15th birthday, Schloss and her family were arrested and sent to the infamous Auschwitz concentration camp.

During the harrowing journey, her brother Heinz revealed that he and their father had hidden 30 of his paintings in their attic. This poignant detail serves as a reminder of the lives interrupted by the Holocaust. After the war, Schloss relocated to England, where she lived for over 70 years.

A Life Dedicated to Holocaust Education

In 1952, she married Zvi Schloss and had three daughters: Jacky, Caroline, and Sylvia. In 1953, her mother Elfriede married Anne Frank’s father, Otto Frank, making her Anne’s stepsister. Reflecting on her relationship with Anne, Schloss once described her as “much more mature and grown-up than me,” highlighting the academic differences in their educational paths.

In 2021, Schloss became a citizen of her birth country at the age of 92. Her family stated that they hope her legacy will inspire future generations through the numerous books, films, and resources she leaves behind. They expressed immense pride in her accomplishments while acknowledging their grief.

Dan Green, the chief executive of the Anne Frank Trust, characterized Schloss as “a beacon of hope and resilience.” He praised her unwavering dedication to Holocaust education, which has profoundly impacted countless lives. “Her legacy will continue to guide and empower young people to build a world free from hatred and discrimination,” he stated.

As the world reflects on the life and contributions of Eva Schloss, her commitment to fostering understanding and resilience in the face of adversity remains a guiding light for future generations.