Holocaust Survivor Lily Ebert Dies at 100, Tributes Pour in from Around the World

One of the last remaining survivors of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, Lily Ebert, has passed away peacefully at her home at the age of 100. Ebert was surrounded by her family at the time of her death, according to her great-grandson Dov Forman, who announced her passing on the social media platform X.

Lily Ebert, who was just 20 years old when deported from her hometown in Hungary to Auschwitz, suffered tragic losses during the Holocaust, including the deaths of her mother, younger sister, and brother. Despite these hardships, Ebert vowed to share her experiences and educate the world about the atrocities perpetrated during the Holocaust.

Following her liberation from Auschwitz, Ebert lived in Switzerland for a year before moving to Israel. She eventually migrated to the United Kingdom in 1967, where she settled in London with her husband, Samuel. Over the decades, Ebert became a prominent figure in Holocaust education and awareness, earning several accolades, including an MBE for her contributions in January 2023.

The King of the United Kingdom honored Ebert for her “extraordinary resilience and courage,” describing her as an integral part of the nation’s fabric who transformed her painful experiences into a lesson for current and future generations. “As a survivor of the unmentionable horrors of the Holocaust, she continued to tell the world of the horrendous atrocities she witnessed,” the King said.

Ebert’s family mourned her passing but celebrated her impactful life. Forman described Ebert as the family’s “beloved matriarch,” whose story touched millions worldwide. “She taught us the power of tolerance and faith, the importance of speaking out, and the need to stand against prejudice,” he stated. Ebert’s family comprises a daughter and son, ten grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, all testament to her enduring legacy.

Political leaders also paid tribute to Ebert’s life and work. Sir Keir Starmer expressed admiration for her message of tolerance and hope, while the UK Prime Minister recalled her bravery and determination to educate the next generation, even becoming a global star on the social media platform TikTok.

Michael Newman, chief executive of the Association of Jewish Refugees, celebrated Ebert’s “zest for life,” emphasizing her ability to connect with younger generations through her special bond with great-grandson Dov Forman. Karen Pollock of the Holocaust Educational Trust hailed Ebert as “the epitome of strength and determination” whose story and zest for life will remain inspirational.