Miep Gies, a name that is etched in the annals of history for her indomitable courage and unwavering solidarity, stands as a beacon of bravery amidst the oppressive darkness of the Holocaust. Born in Vienna on February 15, 1909, Gies moved to Amsterdam in the late 1920s where she eventually found employment with Otto Frank, the father of Anne Frank. Little did she know then that her life would become an extraordinary testament to human empathy and valor.
When the Franks went into hiding from the Nazis, it was Miep Gies who risked her own life to help them. She, along with a few others, provided the Frank family and four other Jews hiding in the secret annex of Otto’s business premises with food, news from outside world, and most importantly – hope. In a time when hatred and fear reigned supreme, Gies chose the path of compassion and humanity.
It was Miep Gies who discovered Anne Frank’s diary after the family was betrayed and sent to concentration camps. Understanding its significance, she safeguarded it until Otto Frank’s return, post-war. The diary later became one of the most important historical documents of the 20th century, providing an intimate glimpse into the horrors of Holocaust through the eyes of a young girl.
The tale of Miep Gies is one that transcends time and continues to inspire. Her bravery, resilience, and selflessness serve as a stark reminder of our capacity for goodness even in the most dire circumstances. Miep Gies was not just a helper or a friend; she was a beacon of hope, a symbol of resistance, and above all, an embodiment of humanity.
“But even an ordinary secretary or a housewife or a teenager can, within their own small ways, turn on a small light in a dark room.”
-Miep Gies
Curated by Jennifer
