Jan Gies, Dutch businessman and humanitarian (b. 1905)

Jan Augustus Gies (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈjɑŋ ˈɣis]; October 18, 1905 – January 26, 1993) was an extraordinary and courageous member of the Dutch Resistance during World War II. Alongside his devoted wife, Hermine "Miep" Gies, he played an indispensable role in safeguarding eight Jewish individuals from the relentless Nazi persecution that gripped occupied Netherlands. This profound act of defiance involved providing sanctuary to the iconic diarist Anne Frank, her older sister Margot Frank, their parents Otto and Edith Frank, Hermann and Auguste van Pels, their son Peter van Pels, and Fritz Pfeffer within the clandestine confines of the "Secret Annex" in Amsterdam.

The Perilous Context of Nazi Occupation

The Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, commencing in May 1940, swiftly escalated into the systematic persecution, forced deportation, and eventual extermination of Jewish citizens. Facing an existential threat and the grim reality of the Holocaust, many Jewish families, including the Franks who had sought refuge in Amsterdam from Germany in the 1930s, were compelled to go into hiding. The Frank family's decision to seek refuge in a concealed space behind Otto Frank's former office underscored the extreme dangers they faced daily.

Jan Gies's Crucial Role in the Secret Annex

Jan Gies's involvement in protecting the hiders was multifaceted, deeply personal, and fraught with immense risk. As an employee of Otto Frank's spice and pectin companies, Opekta and Pectacon, Jan maintained legitimate access to the premises at Prinsengracht 263. This privileged position allowed him, along with Miep Gies and other trusted colleagues like Victor Kugler and Bep Voskuijl, to provide vital, continuous support to those sequestered in the Secret Annex, known in Dutch as the Achterhuis.

A Partnership of Courage: Jan and Miep Gies

The partnership between Jan and Miep Gies was absolutely fundamental to the endurance of the eight hidden individuals for over two years. While Miep Gies is widely recognized for her extraordinary act of discovering and preserving Anne Frank's diary after the hiders' arrest, Jan's quiet, unwavering commitment was equally vital to the daily operation. Their shared home on Hunzestraat often served as a secondary hub for the clandestine operation, a safe place where supplies could be collected and prepared without drawing undue attention to the Prinsengracht building. Their collective efforts exemplified profound human courage, unwavering compassion, and remarkable resilience in the face of unimaginable danger.

Legacy and Posthumous Recognition

Tragically, on August 4, 1944, the hiding place was discovered by the Gestapo. Jan Gies was present at the office that day but, remarkably, was not arrested, likely due to a combination of sheer luck and the primary focus of the arresting officers on the Jewish individuals and the other male helpers. In the immediate aftermath of the hiders' arrest, Jan and Miep Gies courageously returned to the ransacked Annex to recover any personal belongings, a moment when Miep famously found Anne Frank's diary. Jan Gies played a profoundly supportive role for Otto Frank, the sole survivor of the Secret Annex, after his return from Auschwitz. He provided essential comfort, practical assistance, and a stable home environment for Otto during his period of immense grief and challenging readjustment. Jan Augustus Gies passed away peacefully on January 26, 1993, at the age of 87. His dedication, perseverance, and quiet heroism were ultimately acknowledged posthumously when he was recognized as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem on February 2, 2010. This prestigious honor acknowledges his extraordinary selflessness and courage in risking his own life to save Jews during the Holocaust. Jan Gies's life stands as a powerful testament to the profound impact individuals can have in the darkest of times, reminding us of the enduring power of compassion and resistance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jan Gies

Who was Jan Gies?
Jan Augustus Gies was a member of the Dutch Resistance during World War II, best known for helping to hide Anne Frank and seven other individuals from Nazi persecution in the Secret Annex in Amsterdam.
How did Jan Gies assist Anne Frank and her family?
Jan Gies, as an employee of Otto Frank's company, provided crucial aid by regularly supplying food, water, and medicines, bringing news from the outside world, managing financial affairs for Otto Frank, and offering vital moral support to those in hiding, all while risking his own life.
What was Jan Gies's connection to the Secret Annex?
The Secret Annex was located within the building at Prinsengracht 263, which housed Otto Frank's former office. As an employee, Jan Gies had legitimate access to the building, allowing him to discreetly deliver supplies and communicate with the hiders for over two years.
Was Jan Gies recognized for his actions?
Yes, Jan Gies was posthumously recognized as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem on February 2, 2010, an honor bestowed upon non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews during the Holocaust.
What happened to Jan Gies after the hiders were discovered?
Jan Gies was present at the office during the raid on August 4, 1944, but was not arrested. He and his wife Miep later returned to the Annex, where Miep found Anne Frank's diary. Jan remained a steadfast support for Otto Frank, the sole survivor of the Annex, after his return from Auschwitz.