We know that Ilse Wagner was a friend of Anne Frank. She is even mentioned several times in her famous diary ‘The Secret Annex’. Writer Janny van der Molen previously researched Ilse for her book ‘Do not Forget Me'. A children's book about Anne Frank's friends. But why was she unable to find Ilse's story? What happened to Anne Frank's friend?

Podcastmakers Richard and Patty-Lou join Janny in a search that will take them around the world and will last for more than two years. But where to start?

In this episode, we start our research. Where did Ilse live in the Netherlands? Where did she come from? We are able to read unpublished letters that Anne Frank wrote in which Ilse is mentioned!

And then we get a call from her former classmate and other friend of the past Jacqueline van Maarsen and she has a suitcase. A suitcase that might contain more information about Ilse.

The podcast 'Erased' is an Audiodroom Podcast Production, made in the Netherlands. Production: Richard Grootbod and Patty-Lou Middel-Leenheer. Advice and fact-check: Aline Pennewaard and Jane van der Molen. Music: Mark Lobenstein. Audio and studio support: Gijs Friesen and Marc Reitsma.

For all background information and how to support this production, please visit podcasterased.com