Van Pels family joined the Franks

The Van Pels family joined the Frank family in hiding during the Holocaust, significantly impacting the dynamics within the Secret Annex. The Van Pels consisted of Hermann, Auguste, and their 16-year-old son, Peter. Their arrival added to the already tense atmosphere as the two families were forced to share limited space and resources. Anne Frank, who documented her experiences in her diary, expressed initial joy at having new companions to converse with. However, this joy was short-lived as conflicts arose due to the cramped living conditions. Anne found herself clashing with Auguste van Pels, whom she perceived as foolish, and she also resented the presence of Fritz Pfeffer, a dentist and family friend who joined them later. Anne's writings reveal her frustrations, particularly regarding the perceived selfishness of Hermann van Pels and Pfeffer concerning food consumption, which was a critical issue given the scarcity they faced while in hiding. The tensions among the residents of the Secret Annex highlight the psychological strain of living in constant fear and confinement, as well as the challenges of maintaining relationships under such dire circumstances.