Auschwitz survivor Eva Schloss, known for her Holocaust education efforts and as the stepsister of Anne Frank, has passed away at the age of 96 in London. The Anne Frank Trust UK, where Schloss served as honorary president, confirmed her death on Saturday.
King Charles expressed his admiration for Schloss, acknowledging her resilience and dedication to combating prejudice. He highlighted her remarkable journey from fleeing Nazi Germany as a young girl to becoming a prominent advocate for kindness and understanding through her work with the Anne Frank Trust UK.
Born Eva Geiringer in Vienna in 1929, Schloss escaped to Amsterdam with her family following the annexation of Austria by Nazi forces. There, she befriended Anne Frank, whose poignant diary later became an iconic Holocaust account. Like the Frank family, Schloss and her family endured two years in hiding before being betrayed, captured, and sent to Auschwitz.
Despite the loss of her father and brother in the concentration camp, Schloss and her mother survived until the camp’s liberation in 1945. Post-war, she resettled in London after marrying Zvi Schloss, a German Jewish refugee. Her mother later married Otto Frank, Anne Frank’s father, who was the sole survivor of his immediate family.
For many years, Schloss remained silent about her wartime experiences, struggling with trauma-induced isolation and anger towards the world. However, a pivotal moment at an Anne Frank exhibition in 1986 spurred her to share her story and educate others about the atrocities of the Holocaust.
Throughout her later years, Schloss continued her advocacy work, speaking at various forums and engaging in campaigns against Holocaust denial. She emphasized the importance of education in fostering mutual respect and understanding among individuals of diverse backgrounds.
Described by her family as a remarkable Auschwitz survivor and passionate Holocaust educator, Schloss leaves behind a legacy of remembrance and peace. Her family hopes that her contributions through books, films, and educational resources will continue to inspire future generations. Eva Schloss is survived by her three daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, following the passing of her husband, Zvi Schloss, in 2016.