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Anne Frank’s Stepsister, Author and Holocaust Survivor Eva Schloss to Tell Her Story

(PDF) (DOC) (JPG)September 19, 2018

MAHWAH, N.J. – Author and Holocaust survivor Eva Schloss, the stepsister of Holocaust victim and diarist, Anne Frank, will share her story, including her account of the publishing of Anne’s famed diary, on Tuesday, October 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the Ramapo High School Auditorium, 331 George St., Franklin Lakes. The program is free and open to the public.

To be held jointly with the Gross Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Chabad of NW Bergen County and the Ramapo-Indian Hills School District, the program is a unique opportunity to hear a first-hand account from someone whose life intersected with one of the most compelling figures in modern history. The lecture is suitable for adults, teenagers and mature children of all faiths.

Tickets are available at www.annefranknj.org. Preferred Seating $45; General Admission $25. A Sponsor VIP package, featuring a private pre-lecture reception with Schloss and two preferred seats is available for $180. Upon presentation of their college ID and the discount code RCNJ18, Ramapo College students may purchase tickets for $10.

In 1938, Germany invaded Austria forcing many Jewish families to fear for their lives in the face of Nazi persecution. Among the refugees was eight-year old Eva Geiringer, whose family fled first to Belgium and then Holland, where she met German-Jewish refugee, nine-year old Anne Frank who would later become famous for her diary which has gone on to sell over 30 million copies in 70 languages.

The two girls became fast friends, playing and conversing together. Soon the Germans invaded the Netherlands and as the situation worsened, both Eva and Anne’s families went into hiding. Ultimately, both girls and their families were betrayed and deported to the Auschwitz concentration camp.

Sadly, while Eva and her mother survived Auschwitz, Anne did not. Anne’s father who had survived the concentration camp internment went on to marry Eva’s mother, cementing their destiny as stepsisters. Eventually, Eva made her way to England where she married Zvi Schloss and raised three daughters. She worked as a studio photographer and ran an antique shop.

Since 1985, Eva Schloss has devoted herself to holocaust education and global peace. She has authored two books, had a play written about her life, and recounted her wartime experiences at over one thousand speaking engagements. In 1999, Schloss signed the Anne Frank Peace Declaration along with United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan and the niece of Raoul Wallenberg, a legendary figure who rescued thousands of Jews in Budapest.

Schloss joins many courageous individuals who work tirelessly to end violence and bigotry plaguing our world. She shares a message of hope and reminds us that the spirit is stronger than fear, the power of good is immeasurable, and that love can make a difference.

For information or to request disability-related accommodations for this event, please contact holgen@ramapo.edu or call 201.684.7409.

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About Ramapo College

Ramapo College of New Jersey is the state’s premier public liberal arts college and is committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. The comprehensive college is situated among the beautiful Ramapo Mountains, is within commuting distance to New York City, was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America by CondeNast Traveler, and boasts the best on-campus housing in New Jersey per Niche.com. Established in 1969, Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, data science, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include business, education, nursing and social work. In addition, the College offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels, and offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

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