Member-only story

The Story of the Woman Who Helped to Hide the Frank Family

Edward Bell

·15.6k Followers· Follow

Published in Anne Frank Remembered: The Story Of The Woman Who Helped To Hide The Frank Family

5 min read · 1 week before

1.1k View Claps

95 Respond

Save

Listen

A Journey of Courage and Compassion

During the darkest hours of World War II, amidst the horrors of the Holocaust, there emerged a shining beacon of hope and humanity: Miep Gies. A young Dutch woman who worked as an office assistant at the Opekta Company in Amsterdam, Miep played a pivotal role in the survival of the Frank family, including the young diarist Anne Frank.

Anne Frank Remembered: The Story of the Woman Who Helped to Hide the Frank Family

by Miep Gies

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3170 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	272 pages

The Secret Annex

In July 1942, the Frank family, along with four other individuals, sought refuge from Nazi persecution in a hidden annex behind the Opekta offices. Miep Gies, along with her colleagues, became their trusted confidants and provided them with essential supplies and support.

Portrait Of Miep Gies, A Young Woman With Short Dark Hair And A Warm Smile. Anne Frank Remembered: The Story Of The Woman Who Helped To Hide The Frank Family

Risking Everything

Helping the Franks was an incredibly dangerous undertaking. If caught by the Nazis, Miep and her colleagues faced severe punishment, including deportation to concentration camps. Yet, undeterred by the risks, Miep continued to provide her support, driven by an unwavering sense of empathy and a profound belief in the value of human life.

Daily Dangers

Miep's days were filled with constant anxiety and fear. She had to maintain a facade of normalcy while carrying out her secret mission. She smuggled food and supplies into the annex, risked her own safety to deliver messages, and provided emotional support to the Franks in their secluded hiding place.

The Exterior Of The Opekta Building In Amsterdam, Where Miep Gies Worked And The Frank Family Hid. Anne Frank Remembered: The Story Of The Woman Who Helped To Hide The Frank Family

The Betrayal

Tragically, in August 1944, the Frank family's secret refuge was discovered by the Nazis. Miep witnessed their arrest and deportation to concentration camps. Despite the overwhelming grief and shock, Miep's determination to honor their memory and preserve their legacy remained unwavering.

Preserving Anne's Legacy

After the war, Miep Gies became a tireless advocate for Holocaust remembrance and education. She shared her experiences with countless people, ensuring that Anne Frank's diary and the story of her family's ordeal reached a global audience. Through her unwavering efforts, Miep ensured that the Franks' legacy lived on, inspiring generations to come.

A Photograph Of Miep Gies In Her Later Years, Smiling And Surrounded By Children. Anne Frank Remembered: The Story Of The Woman Who Helped To Hide The Frank Family

A Symbol of Hope

Miep Gies's extraordinary courage and selflessness have made her an enduring symbol of hope and resilience. Her story reminds us of the indomitable spirit that can triumph over adversity and the profound impact that ordinary individuals can have in the face of unimaginable darkness.

Legacy of a Hero

Miep Gies passed away peacefully in 2010 at the age of 100. Her legacy continues to inspire people around the world. She has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Yad Vashem Righteous Among the Nations honor for her unwavering commitment to protecting Jews during the Holocaust.

The story of Miep Gies and her role in hiding the Frank family is a testament to the power of compassion, courage, and the indomitable human spirit. Her unwavering determination to protect those in need, even at great personal risk, serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.

Honoring Miep Gies's Legacy

Today, we honor Miep Gies's legacy by continuing to spread her message of hope and resilience. Let us all strive to live by her example, to show compassion to those in need, and to stand up for the values of justice and equality. By ng so, we ensure that Miep Gies's legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Anne Frank Remembered: The Story of the Woman Who Helped to Hide the Frank Family

by Miep Gies

4.8 out of 5