Anne Frank Remembered Miep Gies Interview

Interview with Miep Gies

Question: When the Frank’s first told you of the plan to go into hiding, did you agree with there plan and were you at all scared for them?

Answer: The Frank’s were very good friends of mine. I would do anything to keep them safe. of course I was scared but I had to keep my head held high and always hope for the best. I still believe Otto’s idea to go into hiding was a good one the whole experience brought them together and it was used in perfect timing after Margot received the letter regarding her being called to the concentration camp.

Question: The Franks and the Van Danns referred to you as a hero of some sort, why do you think they did this and do you agree?

Answer: I suppose they did this because if they were caught I would be caught as well. There more the heroes to me though. Being able to go through that was one of the hardest things of there lives. I can see why they would refer to me as a “hero”, but they’ll always be the heroes in my eyes.

Question: Who do you think it was hardest for to be in hiding, why do you think this?

Answer: It was a tough experience for all of those who were in hiding, but most of all I think it was little Anne had it the hardest. Not being able to be free and hang out with friends in the most delicate years of her life. I couldn’t imagine going through the stages I went through when I was her age being in her position. Although it was hardest for her she was always the most lively of the group, never showing her sadness or depression. She always held high hope no matter what.

Question: In the times of hiding it must have took a toll on Henk and your own lives, what were some of the hardship you went through?

Answer: Well we had to avoid being sick at all costs, because if we got sick less visits to the Annex and the less visits to the Annex the less drive to keep going the people in hiding had. Henk and I were always running into problems whether it was finding ration cards or simply keeping the Secret Annex “secret”. Even before they went into hiding me and Henk were forced into marriage just so I could stay in Amsterdam.