Bep Voskuijl was one of the eight people who hid from the Nazis in a secret annex above a warehouse in Amsterdam during World War II. Her name is pronounced /bɛp vɔskœil/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "e" in "Bep" is pronounced like the "e" in "bed," while the "oe" in "Voskuijl" is pronounced like the "o" in "toe." The "uij" combination is unique to Dutch and is pronounced like the "au" in "caught." Despite the difficulty in spelling, Bep's bravery in sheltering her Jewish neighbors will never be forgotten.
Bep Voskuijl was a Dutch woman who played a significant role in sheltering Anne Frank and her family during World War II. Born on July 5, 1919, in Amsterdam, Bep was employed as a secretary at Opekta Works, the company owned by Otto Frank, Anne's father. She became an essential figure in the secret annex where the Frank family hid from 1942 to 1944.
Bep Voskuijl's dictionary definition encompasses her courageous acts of assistance, support, and protection provided to the Frank family during their period of hiding. Together with her father, Johannes Voskuijl, Bep played a pivotal role in facilitating the hiding place by constructing a movable bookshelf that concealed the entrance to the annex.
Aside from her tangible contributions to the hiding place, Bep provided emotional sustenance to the inhabitants of the secret annex. She formed a close bond with Anne Frank, becoming a confidante and friend during their time in confinement. Bep was known for her resourcefulness, resilience, and selflessness, exemplifying the bravery shown by many individuals during this period of history.
Tragically, the secret annex was discovered by the Nazis on August 4, 1944, resulting in the arrest of all its occupants. Bep escaped the arrest due to her night shift at the time of the raid. She was greatly saddened by the capture and subsequent death of Anne Frank in a concentration camp. Bep Voskuijl's actions and her connection to the Frank family have made her an enduring symbol of courage and compassion amidst the horrors of World War II.
The name "Bep Voskuijl" does not have a direct etymology as it is a Dutch name composed of two elements: "Bep" and "Voskuijl".
The most common interpretation of the given name "Bep" is that it is a diminutive form of the Dutch name Elizabeth or Beatrix. It is often used as a nickname for girls named Elisabeth or similar variants.
The surname "Voskuijl" originated from a Dutch toponymic name, which means the name is derived from a place or geographical feature. In this case, the name likely comes from a combination of "Vos" and "kuijl". "Vos" translates to "fox" in English, while "kuijl" refers to a type of hiding place or small shed.