Eva Schloss, Anne Frank’s Stepsister and Auschwitz Survivor, Dies at 96

Eva Schloss, the stepsister of Anne Frank and a survivor of the Auschwitz concentration camp, has died at the age of 96. Her death was confirmed on Saturday, January 3, in London by the Anne Frank House.

The news was also announced by the Anne Frank Trust UK, an organization Schloss co-founded and served as honorary president for decades. In a statement, the Trust described her as “tireless in her work for remembrance, understanding and peace,” while extending condolences to her daughters, Jacky, Caroline, and Sylvia.

Schloss’ family remembered her as a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life was shaped by survival, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to Holocaust education.

Eva Schloss in London in 2022.Credit : Chris Jackson-Pool/Getty

A Life Marked by Survival

Eva Schloss was born in Austria in 1929 to Elfriede Geiringer and Erich Geiringer. As the Nazi threat intensified, her family fled to Amsterdam, where they became neighbors of the Frank family. Both families went into hiding in 1942, hoping to escape persecution.

In 1944, Schloss and her family were arrested and deported to concentration camps. Eva and her mother survived Auschwitz, while her father and brother Heinz were murdered during the Holocaust. These experiences would define the rest of her life and shape her mission to educate future generations.

After the war, Schloss eventually settled in London. In 1953, her mother Elfriede married Otto Frank, Anne Frank’s father, formally making Eva Schloss Anne Frank’s stepsister.

Eva Schloss during a portrait session in Paris in 2009. Credit: Ulf Andersen/Getty

A Voice for Education and Peace

Rather than allowing trauma to silence her, Schloss dedicated her life to speaking out. She became a prominent Holocaust educator, sharing her story in schools, public forums, and international events. In 1990, she co-founded the Anne Frank Trust UK, an organization committed to empowering young people to challenge antisemitism, racism, and all forms of prejudice.

Schloss also authored three influential books — Eva’s Story, After Auschwitz, and The Promise — which documented her experiences and reflections on survival, memory, and moral responsibility. Her work reached millions worldwide and remains an essential resource for Holocaust education.

Tributes From Around the World

Following the announcement of her death, King Charles III shared a heartfelt tribute, expressing deep sadness over the loss.

“The horrors that she endured as a young woman are impossible to comprehend,” he said, praising her lifelong commitment to overcoming hatred and prejudice. He highlighted her work promoting kindness, courage, and resilience through Holocaust education.

Queen Camilla had previously joined Schloss at the annual Anne Frank Lunch for Holocaust Memorial Day in London in 2022, where candles were lit in remembrance of Holocaust victims. The event also marked the 75th anniversary of the publication of Anne Frank’s diary.

Eva Schloss and her mother Elfriede Geiringer on April 24, 1989. Credit: alamy

A Lasting Legacy

Even in her later years, Schloss remained outspoken about the dangers of intolerance. In a 2024 statement, she warned against the consequences of treating people as “other,” urging respect across races and religions and emphasizing the importance of coexistence.

Her family expressed pride in her achievements while requesting privacy during their time of grief. They noted that a memorial event will be held at a later date to honor her life and legacy.

Eva Schloss is survived by her three children — Caroline, Jacqueline, and Sylvia — and by the countless individuals she educated, inspired, and moved through her testimony.

Her legacy endures as a powerful reminder of history, humanity, and the responsibility to never forget.