Miep Gies: A Life of Courage and Compassion

Early Life and Background

Miep Gies, born Hermine Santruschitz on February 15, 1909, in Vienna, Austria, moved to the Netherlands at the age of 11. She was sent to live with a Dutch family to recover from the malnutrition she suffered during World War I. She eventually became a Dutch citizen and married Jan Gies in 1941.

Role During World War II

Miep Gies is best known for her courageous efforts during World War II, when she, along with her husband and a few others, helped hide Anne Frank and her family from the Nazis. The Frank family, along with four other Jewish individuals, hid in the “Secret Annex” of Otto Frank’s business premises in Amsterdam from July 1942 until their arrest in August 1944.

Contributions to the Frank Family

• Provision of Supplies: Miep was instrumental in providing food, supplies, and news from the outside world to the hidden families. Her efforts were crucial in sustaining them during their two years in hiding.
• Preservation of Anne Frank’s Diary: After the arrest of the Frank family, Miep discovered Anne’s diary and kept it safe, hoping to return it to Anne after the war. Upon learning of Anne’s death, she gave the diary to Otto Frank, Anne’s father and the only surviving member of the family, who later published it.

Post-War Life and Legacy

After the war, Miep Gies continued to live in Amsterdam, where she worked for Otto Frank until his retirement. She dedicated much of her later life to speaking about her experiences during the war and advocating for tolerance and understanding.

Recognition and Honors

Miep Gies received numerous accolades for her bravery and humanitarian efforts, including:

• The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• The Yad Vashem Medal, recognizing her as one of the “Righteous Among the Nations.”

Passing and Legacy

Miep Gies passed away on January 11, 2010, at the age of 100. Her life and actions remain a testament to the impact of individual courage and compassion in the face of tyranny. Her efforts not only helped preserve the legacy of Anne Frank through her diary but also serve as an enduring reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice.

Miep Gies’s story continues to inspire countless individuals worldwide, highlighting the profound difference one person can make in the lives of others.