Miep Gies was an Austrian woman who had moved to The Netherlands after World War I, to recover from starvation and exhaustion which she experienced as an 11 year-old girl in Austria.
She and her sister were taken in by Dutch foster parents.
In 1940 she married Jan Gies who was an employee of Mr. Frank.
Jan and Miep and some of the other brave Dutch people helped clothe and feed the Frank family, and later some other Jewish people, in the "hiding place" in the building, in Amsterdam, where Mr. Frank's office was located.
Miep said that she did not think she was a hero, but was only doing the right thing which had to be done.
She and many other Dutch people risked their lives to help hide Jews, and also smuggle them to safety if at all possible.
Miep felt that she had not done enough to help the Jews during the Nazi occupation, but any of us who are Jewish, like myself, say:
Miep you were a Shining Star and a Light of Humanity to encourage others to be brave and do the right thing, as you risked your life in helping these Jews, especially since so many did not.
To all of your family's relatives and friends I for one must say you will always be remembered,
and the God of Israel shall keep you close to Him forever.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
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