Eva Schloss

Born Eva Geiringer in Vienna, Austria, she and her family fled to Belgium and then the Netherlands to escape the Nazis. In Amsterdam, she lived on the same square as Anne Frank, and the two were childhood friends. Both families were eventually captured by the Nazis, and both girls were sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Eva survived, Anne did not. After the war, Eva's mother married Otto Frank, Anne's father, making Eva Frank's step-sister.

Eva Schloss has dedicated much of her life to sharing her harrowing experiences during the Holocaust, ensuring that the atrocities are never forgotten. She has authored several books, including "Eva's Story: A Survivor's Tale by the Stepsister of Anne Frank," and has spoken to countless audiences worldwide, emphasizing themes of forgiveness, tolerance, and remembrance.

Her work is a profound testament to resilience and the enduring power of bearing witness. While her connection to Anne Frank is often highlighted, Schloss's own story is deeply moving and vital, making her an indispensable voice in Holocaust education. She has faced down the darkness and emerged with a message of hope, which is quite the kvell-worthy feat.