Sister of Anne Frank, she wrote her own diary during WWII, providing a unique perspective on the Holocaust experience. Her diary remains a powerful historical artifact.
Margot Frank, the lesser-known sister of Anne Frank, is often overshadowed by her sibling's iconic diary and tragic fate. However, Margot's own story is a testament to her courage, resilience, and ultimately, her sacrifice during the darkest era of human history.
Born on February 16, 1926, in Frankfurt, Germany, Margot was named after her maternal aunt, Bettina Holländer. She grew up in a loving family with her parents, Otto and Edith Frank, and her younger sister, Anne. The Franks were an intellectual family, encouraging their daughters to read and explore the world around them.
The family lived in the Dornbusch neighborhood, where Margot and Anne would often play with their friends from different religious backgrounds. This exposure fostered a sense of curiosity and acceptance, as they celebrated each other's holidays and traditions.
In 1932, the Nazi paramilitary wing, the Sturmabteilung (SA), marched through the streets of Frankfurt, chanting anti-Semitic slogans and spreading terror. This incident prompted Otto Frank to consider emigrating to the Netherlands, where he had business connections.
When Margot received a call-up notice from the Gestapo to report to a "work camp," the family realized they had to act quickly. In July 1942, they went into hiding in a secret annex above Otto's office building in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
While in hiding, Margot, like her sister Anne, kept a diary. Unfortunately, her diaries were lost, and only Anne's have been found and published. Margot's writings remain a mystery, leaving us to imagine the thoughts and emotions she penned during those tumultuous years.
In August 1944, the Nazis discovered the Franks' hiding place and deported them to concentration camps. Margot and Anne were sent to Bergen-Belsen, where they were subjected to brutal conditions and forced labor.
In February 1945, a typhus outbreak swept through the camp, claiming the lives of thousands, including Margot Frank. Her exact date of death is unknown, but it is believed to be around February or March 1945.
Margot Frank's story serves as a poignant reminder of the devastation caused by the Holocaust. Her courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable horrors inspire us to remember the victims of genocide and work towards a more peaceful and tolerant world.
While Anne's diary has become an iconic symbol of hope and resistance, Margot's story serves as a testament to the countless individuals who suffered and died during the Holocaust, leaving behind a legacy of courage and sacrifice.
96 Years Old
A young Jewish girl who documented her experiences hiding with her family during the Nazi occupation in a diary, which became a powerful and enduring symbol of hope and resilience. Her diary has been translated into over 60 languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide.
Born in 1889
The father of a young Jewish girl who wrote a heart-wrenching diary during WWII, hiding from the Nazis, and later dedicated his life to spreading her message of hope and peace. He established a museum and foundation in her honor, keeping her legacy alive.
Born in 1909
A brave and selfless individual who risked their life to hide a Jewish family, including a young girl who would become a symbol of hope and resilience, from the Nazis during WWII. This hero's actions allowed the family to survive for two years, and their story to be told.
Born in 1878
A pioneering pediatrician and children's rights advocate, he penned beloved books and developed innovative orphanage programs, prioritizing children's dignity and education.
