600 Captivated by Story of Anne Frank’s Stepsister

Almost 600 people gathered for an evening with the noted author, holocaust survivor and childhood friend and step-sister of Anne Frank, Mrs. Eva Schloss, 85, of London, UK. The event was hosted by the Chabad community center of Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin, directed by Rabbi Chesky and Mrs. Miri Rothman.

Eva Schloss grew up in Amsterdam alongside her childhood friend and classmate Anne Frank, and went into hiding with her family to avoid Nazi capture. Ultimately, both girls and their families were deported to the concentration camps.

After hors d’oeuvres were served, Eva captivated the audience with her personal account. She shared a message of inspiration – that despite the horrors she went through 70 years before, she has lead a happy and successful life.

The event’s coordinator, Rabbi Chesky Rothman, noted, “Eva joins many courageous individuals who work tirelessly to end the violence and bigotry that continue to plague our world. Eva’s story is sensational and difficult to imagine, yet her insightful message reminds us that life is precious and fragile, that the creative spirit is stronger than fear, that the power of good is immeasurable, and that love makes a difference.”

After the event, a woman walked up to Eva and told her “my daughter committed suicide a few years ago and I haven’t had any peace since, but after hearing you tell your story, I now feel I can move on.”

The attendees found the event enjoyable, uplifting, and inspiring. They left feeling motivated to be more peaceful and kind to others, while taking away the positive message of perseverance and overcoming challenges.

The event concluded with the blowing of the Shofar.

After the event, 60 people joined in for a VIP reception dinner together with Eva.

This event is due to the tireless efforts and generosity of many friends headed by Mr. David and Lifsha Weissman on behalf of their company Emlin Cosmetics.