Miep Gies, Austrian-Dutch humanitarian, helped hide Anne Frank and her family (d. 2010)

Miep Gies: The Steadfast Protector of Anne Frank's Enduring Legacy

Hermine "Miep" Gies, born Santrouschitz (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈmip ˈxis]; 15 February 1909 – 11 January 2010), was a remarkable Dutch citizen whose acts of profound courage and compassion during World War II safeguarded the lives of eight individuals, including the renowned diarist Anne Frank, and ultimately preserved one of history's most poignant testimonies. Miep Gies, along with her husband Jan Gies and other trusted colleagues, played a pivotal role in hiding Anne Frank, her family—Otto Frank, Margot Frank, and Edith Frank-Holländer—and four other Dutch Jews—Fritz Pfeffer, Hermann van Pels, Auguste van Pels, and Peter van Pels—from the brutal persecution of the Nazis in a hidden annex above Otto Frank's business premises in Amsterdam.

Early Life and a New Home in the Netherlands

Miep Gies's journey began in Vienna, Austria, where she was born. However, the ravages of World War I left many children in Central Europe suffering from malnutrition. In 1920, at the tender age of eleven, Miep, whose health was frail due to food shortages, was sent to the Netherlands as part of a relief program for Austrian children. She was taken in as a foster child by a warm and loving Dutch family in Leiden, with whom she quickly formed a deep and lasting bond. Although her stay was initially planned for only six months, it was extended to one year due to her delicate health. Following this period, Gies chose to remain with her foster family, establishing her life permanently in the Netherlands, where she resided for the rest of her long and impactful life. She passed away in 2010 at the remarkable age of 100, just a month shy of her 101st birthday, leaving behind a legacy of unparalleled humanity.

A Fateful Employment with Otto Frank

In 1933, a significant turn of events brought Miep Gies into the life of the Frank family. She began working for Otto Frank, a Jewish businessman who had shrewdly relocated his family from Germany to the Netherlands. This move was a desperate attempt to shield his loved ones from the escalating anti-Semitic policies and imminent persecution under the burgeoning Nazi regime. Otto Frank, recognizing Miep's dedication and trustworthiness, became not just her employer but a close, respected friend. As the shadows of war lengthened and the occupation of the Netherlands began in May 1940, the bond between Miep and the Franks deepened, foreshadowing the extraordinary support she would provide during their darkest hours.

The Secret Annex: A Perilous Act of Humanity

From July 1942 until their betrayal in August 1944, Miep Gies became one of the vital lifelines for the eight people in hiding in the "Secret Annex" (Achterhuis) at Prinsengracht 263 in Amsterdam. This concealed space, accessed via a movable bookcase, became their refuge, a world of constant fear and confinement. Every day, Miep, alongside her husband Jan Gies, and Otto Frank's other trusted employees, Victor Kugler, Johannes Kleiman, and Bep Voskuijl, risked their lives to bring food, news, books, and essential supplies to those in hiding. The penalty for hiding Jews during the Nazi occupation was execution. Miep's daily routine involved navigating the dangers of a war-torn city, managing suppliers without arousing suspicion, and providing vital emotional support and encouragement to the anxious occupants, a testament to her unwavering courage and moral fortitude. She meticulously filled shopping bags with groceries, ensuring their varied dietary needs were met, and even brought them small gifts to boost their morale, making their unbearable situation a little more tolerable.

Preserving a Priceless Testimony: Anne Frank's Diary

The ultimate act of defiance and preservation came on August 4, 1944, when the hiding place was tragically discovered by the Gestapo, leading to the arrest and deportation of all eight occupants. After the raid, with the Secret Annex ransacked and deserted, Miep Gies and her colleague Bep Voskuijl returned to the scene. There, scattered across the floor, they discovered Anne Frank's personal writings—her notebooks and loose-leaf pages that constituted her poignant diary. Miep, with immense foresight and a profound sense of duty, meticulously gathered and retrieved these precious papers. She stored Anne Frank's diary, along with other documents, safely in her desk drawer, hoping to return them to Anne upon her eventual, and tragically never realized, return. After the war concluded and the full horrors of the Holocaust came to light, Otto Frank, the sole survivor of the Secret Annex, returned from Auschwitz in June 1945. It was only then that Miep, having learned of Anne's death, presented him with his younger daughter's cherished writings. Otto Frank, deeply moved by this invaluable gift, compiled Anne's raw, powerful observations, which were first published in 1947 as "Het Achterhuis" (The Secret Annex), known globally as "The Diary of a Young Girl." Miep Gies's courageous act ensured that Anne's voice, a symbol of hope and resilience, would resonate across generations.

A Life Dedicated to Remembrance and Education

Miep Gies dedicated much of her post-war life to sharing the story of the Secret Annex and the importance of combating prejudice and discrimination. In 1987, in collaboration with Alison Leslie Gold, she co-authored her memoir, "Anne Frank Remembered: The Story of the Woman Who Helped to Hide the Frank Family." In this widely acclaimed book, she offered her firsthand account, providing invaluable context and intimate details of her experiences. Despite widespread recognition, including being honored by Yad Vashem as "Righteous Among the Nations" in 1972, receiving the German Order of Merit in 1994, and numerous other accolades, Miep Gies always maintained a humble perspective. She famously stated, "I am not a hero. I am just an ordinary person who did what she could." Her powerful message underscored that acts of kindness and courage are within everyone's reach, and that even in the darkest times, humanity can prevail. Her tireless efforts ensured that the lessons of the Holocaust and Anne Frank's story would continue to educate and inspire future generations. Miep Gies's passing in 2010 marked the end of an era, but her legacy as a beacon of compassion and moral courage remains an enduring inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions About Miep Gies

What was Miep Gies's full name?

Miep Gies's full birth name was Hermine Santrouschitz. After her marriage to Jan Gies, she became Hermine Gies.

Why did Miep Gies move to the Netherlands as a child?

Miep Gies moved to the Netherlands from Vienna, Austria, at the age of eleven due to severe malnutrition caused by food shortages and the aftermath of World War I. She was part of a relief program for children from war-torn Central Europe.

Who else helped hide Anne Frank and her family?

Besides Miep Gies, other courageous individuals who helped hide Anne Frank, her family, and the four other Jews in the Secret Annex were her husband Jan Gies, Victor Kugler, Johannes Kleiman, and Bep Voskuijl. These five individuals risked their lives daily to provide sustenance and support.

What significant object did Miep Gies save?

Miep Gies is most famously known for saving Anne Frank's diary and other personal writings. After the Secret Annex was raided by the Gestapo, she retrieved the scattered papers from the floor, keeping them safe until she could present them to Otto Frank, Anne's father, after the war.

What did Miep Gies say about being a hero?

Miep Gies consistently rejected the label of "hero," often stating, "I am not a hero. I am just an ordinary person who did what she could." She believed that her actions were simply what any decent person should do, emphasizing that courage and compassion are accessible to everyone, even in extraordinary circumstances.