Johannes Kleiman managed the Opekta business operations at Prinsengracht 263, where he played a critical role in concealing the Frank family from Nazi forces during the German occupation of the Netherlands. Known in early editions of the diary as Mr. Koophuis, he provided the logistical support necessary to sustain the inhabitants of the secret annex for over two years.
Professional Association with Otto Frank
The relationship between Kleiman and Otto Frank originated in 1923 during Frank’s attempts to establish a Dutch branch of the Michael Frank Bank. By May 1924, Kleiman was registered as a proxy for the bank, eventually holding full powers by December when the firm entered liquidation. In 1938, Frank hired him as a bookkeeper for both Opekta and Pectacon. The two men had formed a close bond years earlier in 1933, when the Frank family migrated to the Netherlands.
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Kleiman became a board member of Opekta, operating the company from his private home for five months before moving to the Prinsengracht premises in late 1940. Alongside colleagues Victor Kugler, Bep Voskuijl, and Miep Gies, he managed the daily administrative requirements of the businesses while simultaneously coordinating the clandestine protection of those hiding within the building.
Arrest and Imprisonment
On 4 August 1944, a Gestapo raid resulted in the capture of the Frank family and four others. Kleiman and Victor Kugler were arrested during the operation and transported to the Gestapo headquarters for interrogation. They were subsequently moved to a prison on the Amstelveenseweg designated for political detainees. Kleiman was later transferred to the Amersfoort labour camp, where he remained for six weeks before securing a release facilitated by the Red Cross due to deteriorating health.
Post-War Advocacy
Following the war, Kleiman facilitated visits for journalists and public figures to the former hiding site. He was instrumental in the formation of the Anne Frank Stichting on 3 May 1957. Although he continued his work until his final days, he did not witness the official museum opening in May 1960. He died at his desk on 28 January 1959, and was posthumously designated as one of the Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem in 1972.
Fast facts
- Born: 1896, Koog aan de Zaan
- Died: 28 January 1959, Amsterdam
- Citizenship: Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Occupation: Businessperson and resistance fighter
- Pseudonym in diary: Mr. Koophuis
- Arrest date: 4 August 1944
- Righteous Among the Nations: 1972
Questions readers ask
What was Kleiman's role at Opekta?
He served as a bookkeeper and a member of the company board.
Why was Kleiman released from Nazi custody?
He was released from the Amersfoort labour camp after six weeks due to a special dispensation from the Red Cross related to his ill health.
Achievements
- Righteous Among the Nations — 1972
- Worked as businessperson and resistance fighter
