A simile is comparing two unlike objects with the term "Like" or "as a" A metaphor compares two unlike objects with a common characteristic (for example, This room is as cold as ice). Since the expression compares two unlike objects with the word "like", it is a simile. I hope this helps!
Mr. Van Daan is caught stealing bread in the Annex. This changes our understanding of the past food shortages in the Annex, as they may have been caused by Mr. Van Daan stealing food for himself, leaving the others without food.