What Happened to Miep Gies and Her Husband? Miep Gies Children, Did Miep Gies Betray the Franks?

What Happened to Miep Gies and Her Husband: Hermine “Miep” Gies, a remarkable woman of strength and compassion, played a pivotal role in one of the most iconic stories of resilience and hope during the dark days of World War II. As one of the Dutch citizens who defied the Nazi regime, Miep Gies risked her own life to shelter Anne Frank, her family, and four other Jews from persecution. Her unwavering determination to protect those in need and her profound act of defiance against tyranny have left an indelible mark on history.

Table: What Happened to Miep Gies and Her Husband

What Happened to Miep Gies and Her Husband?

Miep Gies was married to Jan Gies, who was also involved in hiding Anne Frank and her family. After the war, the couple stayed in Amsterdam and had one son, Paul Gies. Jan Gies passed away in 1993, and Miep Gies lived until the age of 100, passing away in Hoorn, Netherlands, in 2010.

Miep Gies Children

Miep Gies had one son with her husband Jan Gies, named Paul Gies. Paul Gies was born in Amsterdam in 1950 and has since become an advocate for peace and human rights.

Did Miep Gies Betray the Franks?

She was a trusted friend and ally to the family and risked her own safety by hiding them in the annex above Otto Frank’s business premises for over two years. Gies and her colleagues, Johannes Kleiman, Victor Kugler, and Bep Voskuijl, went to great lengths to provide food, clothing, and other necessities for the Franks and their fellow hideaways during their time in hiding.

FAQs:

1. How did Miep Gies and the Franks first meet?
   Miep Gies met Otto Frank in 1933 when she was hired to work in his business. She became close with the Frank family over the years and was a trusted friend and ally to them during their time in hiding.
2. What did Miep Gies do after the Franks were discovered and arrested?
   After the Franks were arrested, Miep Gies and Bep Voskuijl retrieved Anne Frank’s diary and kept it safe until Otto Frank returned from Auschwitz and learned of his daughter’s death. Gies had stored Anne Frank’s papers in the hopes of returning them to the girl, but gave them to Otto Frank, who compiled them into a diary first published in June 1947.
3. Was Miep Gies recognized for her heroic actions during World War II?
   Yes, Miep Gies was recognized for her bravery and humanitarianism during World War II. She was awarded several honors throughout her life, including the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1994 and the Raoul Wallenberg Award in 1995.
4. Did Miep Gies ever speak about her experiences hiding the Franks?
   Yes, Miep Gies often spoke about her experiences hiding the Franks and the other Jews in the annex. She wrote a book, “Anne Frank Remembered,” with Alison Leslie Gold in 1987 and gave numerous interviews over the years about her time with the Franks.
5. What was Miep Gies’ legacy after her passing?
   Miep Gies’ legacy as a hero and humanitarian lives on after her passing. She continues to be celebrated for her bravery and selflessness in helping to hide the Franks and others during the war. Her story serves as an inspiration for people around the world who are committed to fighting injustice and promoting peace.