Eva Schloss, a courageous Holocaust survivor and the posthumous stepsister of Anne Frank, passed away on January 3, 2026, at the age of 96. Her family released a statement honoring her as a remarkable woman who dedicated much of her life to remembrance and understanding. Born in Vienna, she fled to the Netherlands after the 1938 annexation of Austria, eventually being betrayed and deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1944.

After surviving the horrors of the concentration camp and being liberated by Soviet forces, Schloss eventually resettled in London. Her life took a significant turn in 1953 when her mother, Elfriede Geiringer, married Otto Frank, the father of Anne Frank. This connection drew Schloss into the global spotlight, a platform she used to ensure the lessons of the Holocaust were never forgotten. She authored several influential books, including Eva's Story and The Promise, chronicling her experiences and the resilience of the human spirit.

Schloss spent decades traveling the world as a public speaker, addressing schools and organizations about the dangers of prejudice and the importance of peace. She was a co-founder of the Anne Frank Trust UK and was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2012 for her services to Holocaust education. Her tireless advocacy earned her international respect and numerous accolades from human rights organizations.

Her family remembered her as a devoted educator who remained active in her mission well into her nineties. She is survived by three daughters and a large extended family who intend to keep her legacy of peace and tolerance alive. Her story remains a vital part of the global collective memory of the 20th century.