Honoring Eva Schloss: A Life Dedicated to Education and Remembrance
King Charles has paid heartfelt tribute to Eva Schloss, the step-sister of Anne Frank and a remarkable Holocaust survivor, who passed away at the age of 96. Mrs. Schloss was not only a key figure as the co-founder and honorary president of the Anne Frank Trust—an organization that Queen Camilla supports—but she also spent her life championing the importance of Holocaust education and remembrance.
Early Life and Harrowing Experiences
In the 1940s, Mrs. Schloss and her family fled their home in Austria, seeking refuge in the Netherlands. Sadly, their safety was short-lived as they were captured and sent to the infamous Auschwitz concentration camp. By sharing her story, Mrs. Schloss has shed light on the unimaginable horrors she faced as a young woman.
A Legacy of Resilience and Education
In a tribute shared on social media, King Charles expressed, “My wife and I are greatly saddened to hear of the death of Eva Schloss. The horrors that she endured as a young woman are impossible to comprehend; yet she devoted the rest of her life to overcoming hatred and prejudice.” He added that both he and his wife were “privileged and proud” to have known her and admired her commitment to promoting kindness, understanding, and resilience.
The Anne Frank Trust announced Mrs. Schloss’s passing on January 3 in London, reflecting on her early life in Amsterdam on the same street as Anne Frank. Like Anne, she and her family were forced into hiding and ultimately arrested. The fact that she survived Auschwitz is a testament to her resilience and will to live.
Post-War Life and Family
Following her liberation by the Soviet army in January 1945, Mrs. Schloss and her mother, Elfriede Frank, were left barely alive. Tragically, her brother and father did not survive. After the war, Elfriede, affectionately known as Fritzi, married Otto Frank, Anne Frank’s father, who had also endured the horrors of internment.
Mrs. Schloss’s family expressed their profound sorrow at her passing, describing her as “a remarkable woman: an Auschwitz survivor and a devoted Holocaust educator.” They emphasized her tireless efforts for remembrance, understanding, and peace over the last 40 years.
Advocacy and Impact
As a co-founder of the Anne Frank Trust UK, Mrs. Schloss played an instrumental role in preserving Anne Frank’s legacy and educating the public about the Holocaust. Anne Frank’s diary, a vital narrative of life under Nazi rule, has sold over 30 million copies worldwide and is a crucial part of educational curriculums in many schools.
Often traveling across Europe, Mrs. Schloss dedicated her time to speaking with the youth, continually emphasizing the need to combat hate. “I have worked very, very hard to change people’s attitudes,” she mentioned in a 2021 BBC interview, highlighting the significance of convincing even one person against racism as a positive achievement.
A New Chapter in London
In 1951, Mrs. Schloss moved to London to pursue a career in photography, where she met her husband, Zvi Schloss. Having survived a harrowing past with his own family’s connection to Dachau concentration camp, Zvi fled to Palestine. Together, they built a life in London and became UK citizens. Zvi Schloss passed away in 2016, leaving behind a legacy that lives on through their daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren.
Conclusion
Eva Schloss’s journey is a powerful reminder of resilience, education, and the importance of remembrance. Her contributions to Holocaust education and her advocacy against prejudice have left an indelible mark on society, inspiring future generations to learn from history and promote a world devoid of hatred.
- Eva Schloss was a prominent Holocaust survivor and co-founder of the Anne Frank Trust.
- She dedicated her life to educating others about the importance of remembrance and combating hatred.
- King Charles and Queen Camilla recognized her significant impact on society.
- Her story is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.