Holocaust activist and Anne Frank’s stepsister, Eva Schloss, has passed away at the age of 96, sparking waves of sorrow and remembrance across the globe.
Schloss, who endured the brutal horrors of Auschwitz as a teenager and dedicated her adulthood to Holocaust education, died in London on Saturday, January 3, according to information from the Anne Frank House and the Anne Frank Trust UK.
As co-founder and honorary president of the Anne Frank Trust, Eva Schloss was a powerhouse for peace, battling ignorance and prejudice with every speech, book, and documentary she inspired. Her family—daughters Caroline, Jacqueline, and Sylvia—paid tribute to the beloved matriarch, describing her as a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who never stopped fighting for understanding and remembrance. “Eva was unstoppable,” her family said. “Her memory will live on in the countless resources and stories she leaves behind.”
The Anne Frank Trust extended heartfelt condolences, asking for privacy as Eva’s loved ones mourn. Plans for a memorial service are in the works, with details to be released at a later time. For decades, Schloss crisscrossed continents educating young and old, making sure the lessons of the past would never be forgotten.
Even royalty joined in mourning the loss. King Charles III issued a moving statement: “Eva’s story remains unimaginable, yet her lifelong commitment to eradicating hate and nurturing resilience inspired millions. My wife and I feel fortunate to have known her, and her legacy is profound.” Queen Camilla reflected on her time spent with Schloss during the 2022 Anne Frank Lunch, where they honored Holocaust Memorial Day and lit candles in tribute to victims—a gathering that coincided with the 75th anniversary of Anne Frank’s famed diary publication.
Born in Vienna in 1929, Eva was thrust into turmoil when the Nazis seized power. Her parents, Elfriede and Erich Geiringer, fled with her to Amsterdam, settling next door to Otto Frank and his family. Amid the rise of Nazi terror, both families went into hiding in 1942 in hopes of surviving the genocide. But fate intervened: in 1944, Eva and her family were discovered and deported to concentration camps. Eva and her mother emerged from Auschwitz alive, but the rest of their family did not share their fortune.
An indomitable survivor, Schloss spent her life championing tolerance and remembrance, ensuring the world hears witness to one of history’s darkest chapters. Through her books, films, and tireless lectures, Eva Schloss’s voice echoed hope—not just for survivors, but for all fighting prejudice and hate. The torch she carried now passes to a grieving world—determined to continue her mission.
