Remembering Jacqueline Sanders-van Maarsen: Anne Frank's Confidante and a Voice for History at the Anne Frank House, Amsterdam
The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam notes with sadness the passing of Jacqueline Sanders-van Maarsen, a cherished friend and classmate of Anne Frank, who died on February 13, 2025, at the age of 96. Jacqueline dedicated much of her life to sharing her memories of Anne, offering a unique and personal perspective on a pivotal historical period. Her contributions have significantly enriched the narrative presented at the Anne Frank House.
Born in Amsterdam in 1929, Jacqueline van Maarsen met Anne Frank in 1941 at the Jewish Lyceum, an institution established for Jewish students after the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Their friendship quickly blossomed, and Anne famously referred to Jacqueline as her "best friend" in her diary entry of June 15, 1942.
Jacqueline reflected on Anne's character, describing her as someone with strong opinions who was, above all, a dear friend. The two friends even exchanged "farewell letters" as a promise, with Anne composing hers in her diary shortly before going into hiding.
A Friendship Forged in Challenging Times
The context of their friendship was one of extreme peril. While Anne and her family eventually went into hiding, Jacqueline's mother managed to have herself and her daughters declared non-Jewish, which ultimately saved their lives. The Van Maarsen family survived the war, though many of Jacqueline's paternal relatives perished in the concentration camps. Her story offers a poignant contrast and a deeper understanding of the varied fates endured by Jewish families in Amsterdam during World War II. Readers can learn more about this friendship in difficult times.
Sharing Anne's Story: Jacqueline's Lasting Contributions
Following the war, Jacqueline pursued a career as a bookbinder, earning several accolades for her work. She maintained contact with Otto Frank, Anne’s father and the sole survivor of the Secret Annex, until his passing in 1980.
For many years, Jacqueline chose to keep her memories of Anne private. This changed with the publication of her book, Anne and Jopie, as she felt a profound duty to "write for her who could no longer write." She went on to publish three more books, including Your Best Friend Anne, which received the Zilveren Griffel award in 2012. Through her writings and numerous school visits, Jacqueline not only recounted her personal friendship with Anne but also bravely spoke out against the enduring dangers of antisemitism and racism.
Her Enduring Impact on Understanding the Anne Frank House Narrative
Jacqueline Sanders-van Maarsen's personal testimony was invaluable to the Anne Frank House. She actively supported the institution, even in her later years, engaging with visitors and sharing her direct experiences. On Anne Frank's 90th birthday in 2019, Jacqueline, alongside Albert Gomes de Mesquita, another classmate, visited Anne's former home on Merwedeplein. They shared their memories with young people, helping to keep Anne Frank's legacy alive and relevant for new generations.
Her passing marks the loss of a direct link to Anne Frank and a powerful voice in Holocaust education. Jacqueline's insights provided visitors to the Anne Frank House with a unique and personal connection to the story, bridging historical events with individual human experiences. Her accounts underscored the profound impact of the war through the eyes of someone who knew Anne intimately.
Our thoughts are with Jacqueline's family during this time of loss. Her legacy will continue to inspire and educate visitors at the Anne Frank House, fostering a deeper understanding of history and the importance of remembrance.
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