Short Answer 
The Brilleslijper sisters, Janny and Lien, were crucial members of the Dutch Resistance during World War II, establishing a safehouse to protect individuals from the Nazis. Captured in 1944, they endured horrific experiences in concentration camps alongside Anne Frank before their liberation. Their story emphasizes themes of courage and resilience, detailed in the book “The Sisters of Auschwitz.”
Step 1: Background of the Brilleslijper Sisters
The excerpt highlights the extraordinary efforts of two sisters, Janny and Lien Brilleslijper, who played a significant role in the Dutch Resistance during World War II. Living in Amsterdam, these Jewish sisters risked their lives to help save others from the Nazi regime. They created an undercover safehouse in the forest, known as The High Nest, where they sheltered numerous individuals from persecution and potential capture.
Step 2: Capture and Transport to Concentration Camps
Unfortunately, in 1944, the sisters were betrayed and captured, leading to their transfer to Auschwitz and later Bergen-Belsen. This section of their story emphasizes the horrific realities faced by them, as they found themselves alongside Anne Frank and her family. There, they experienced severe hardships, with many fellow detainees, including Anne and her sister Margot, tragically perishing before liberation by British soldiers in April 1945.
Step 3: Themes of Courage and Survival
The remarkable journey of the Brilleslijper sisters illustrates profound themes of courage, strength, and the unwavering love shared between them amidst unimaginable adversity. As they were transported on the last train to Auschwitz with Anne Frank’s family, they were stripped of all but their resilience. Their story is captured in the book “The Sisters of Auschwitz,” written by van Iperen, which reflects on the sisters’ bravery and the impactful role they played in the fight against oppression during the darkest times of history.