The world has lost a powerful voice of memory and resilience. Eva Schloss, a Holocaust survivor who became the posthumous stepsister of diarist Anne Frank, has died at the age of 96. Her passing was reported on Monday, January 5, 2026.
A Life Defined by Survival and Testimony
Eva Schloss's life was inextricably linked to one of history's most tragic chapters. Born in Vienna, she and her family fled to Amsterdam after the Nazi annexation of Austria. There, she befriended a young girl named Anne Frank. Both families went into hiding in 1942 after the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, though they hid in different locations.
Tragically, in 1944, the Gestapo discovered Eva's family's hiding place. She, along with her mother and brother, was arrested on her 15th birthday and deported to the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp. Her father and brother did not survive the horrors of the camp.
Building a New Life and a Lasting Legacy
After liberation, Eva and her mother, Elfriede Geiringer, returned to Amsterdam. There, Elfriede married Otto Frank, Anne Frank's father, in 1953. This union made Eva the posthumous stepsister of the young diarist whose words would later educate millions about the Holocaust.
For decades, Eva Schloss lived a private life. However, in the 1980s, she began to share her story publicly, becoming a renowned Holocaust educator and author. She traveled the world, speaking to students and groups about her experiences, emphasizing the dangers of hatred, prejudice, and antisemitism.
A Canadian Connection and Global Impact
While the news of her passing originates from international reports, her message resonated deeply in Canada, a nation with its own commitment to Holocaust remembrance and multiculturalism. Canadian audiences have followed her story through media interviews and her published memoirs.
Her death marks the passing of another direct witness to the atrocities of the Holocaust, underscoring the urgency of preserving first-hand testimonies for future generations. Her life's work stands as a solemn reminder and a call to vigilance against all forms of bigotry.
Eva Schloss is survived by her family and leaves behind a global community forever touched by her courage and her unwavering dedication to ensuring the world never forgets.
