Jacqueline van Maarsen was a Dutch author and former classmate and friend of Anne Frank. The two girls attended the Montessori School in Amsterdam together before Anne and her family went into hiding during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.
Van Maarsen later wrote about her friendship with Anne in her book “My Friend Anne Frank,” which provides insight into their time together before Anne’s family was discovered and sent to concentration camps. The book paints a picture of two young girls who shared a love of literature and a strong bond of friendship.
Despite the tragic circumstances that befell Anne Frank and her family, Jacqueline van Maarsen has worked to keep the memory of her friend alive. She has spoken at numerous events and schools about her experiences with Anne and the importance of remembering the Holocaust.
Van Maarsen’s book serves as a reminder of the impact that friendship can have in even the darkest of times. It is a tribute to the enduring bond she shared with Anne Frank and a testament to the power of friendship in the face of adversity.
While Jacqueline van Maarsen may have lost her dear friend at a young age, her memories and writings ensure that Anne Frank’s legacy will never be forgotten. Through her work, she continues to honor the memory of her friend and all those who perished during the Holocaust.