Tributes to Auschwitz survivor Lily Ebert who has died aged 100
9 October 2024, 12:54 | Updated: 9 October 2024, 16:14
Tributes have been paid to a "trailblazing advocate for Holocaust education" after the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp survivor's death aged 100.
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Lily Ebert died peacefully at home surrounded by family, her great-grandson Dov Forman said on Wednesday.
She had suffered "unimaginable loss" when her mother, younger sister, and brother were murdered in the gas chambers but had vowed to tell her story in the years that followed.
Mr Forman co-authored a bestselling book with his great grandmother, entitled Lily's Promise, detailing the life she built for herself after the war.
In January 2023, she was recognised with an MBE for her services to Holocaust education.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Mr Forman said the family's "beloved matriarch", known as Safta, would be hugely missed.
He wrote: "Over the years, Safta's story touched hundreds of millions worldwide, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit and the dangers of unchecked hatred. She taught us the power of tolerance and faith, the importance of speaking out, and the need to stand against prejudice.
"Safta was the queen of our large, loving family. With a surviving daughter and son - remembering a daughter who pre-deceased her - 10 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, her legacy lives on in each of us.
"She rebuilt her life with faith and love, never asking, 'why me?'. Instead, she focused on what could be rebuilt from the ashes, and her positivity continues to guide us through these difficult times.
"As we mourn our beloved Mummy, Safta, we also celebrate her extraordinary life. A light that shone so brightly has gone dark. She was our hero, and her absence leaves an unimaginable void in our lives."
The Association of Jewish Refugees hailed her "zest for life".
The organisation's chief executive, Michael Newman, said: "Lily was a trailblazing advocate for Holocaust education - her special connection with her great-grandson, Dov, helped to bridge the generation gap and reach millions of people through social media.
"As we approach the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz this Holocaust Memorial Day, Lily's zest for life will burn brightly in our thoughts."lil
Karen Pollock CBE, Chief Executive, Holocaust Educational Trust said: "Lily Ebert was the epitome of strength and determination. She lived to be 100 years old – she was invincible and we thought she would live forever.
"A proud mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother, her large loving family was her revenge against the Nazis. She will be remembered for her incredible story, her unparalleled tenacity and her zest for life.
"She was 20 years old when she was deported from her home in Bonyhad in Hungary to Auschwitz-Birkenau. On arrival she was separated from her mother Nina, her younger sister Berta, and her younger brother Bela – they were all immediately sent to the gas chambers. Lily and her sisters Renee and Piri were selected for work.
"From Auschwitz, Lily was transferred to a munitions factory near Leipzig, where she was eventually liberated by Allied forces. After liberation she was sent to Switzerland to recuperate and from there went to Mandate Palestine. She later recalled standing on Rothschild Avenue hearing the Declaration of Independence and recalled the tremendous joy she felt.
"Lily came to the UK, raised a family and lived life to the full. She spoke tirelessly about her experiences, never slowing down, always determined to make sure the world would never forget.
"She spoke in schools and colleges across the country, she was revered by politicians and world leaders, respected by Prime Ministers and members of the Royal Family - her portrait was commissioned by His Majesty The King.
"With her great grandson Dov Forman she co-wrote her story in ‘Lily’s Promise’, which has been translated into dozens of languages and read across the world. With Dov she created a TikTok account with 2 million followers – she educated the world.
"She belongs in the list of Jewish heroines alongside the likes of Rachel, Miriam and Esther. May her memory be a blessing."
