King Charles Mourns Holocaust Survivor Lily Ebert, Praising Her Legacy

Lily Ebert, a Holocaust survivor whose remarkable life story touched many millions worldwide, has passed away at the age of 100. Born in Hungary, Ms. Ebert was deported to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in 1944, along with her family. Most of her family did not survive, but Ebert and two of her sisters endured the harrowing conditions at the camp, facing the unimaginable horrors of the Holocaust.

Ms. Ebert’s story gained renewed attention four years ago when she sought to locate the descendants of the American soldier who had played a crucial role in her survival. Her dedication to sharing her wartime experiences led her to embrace social media, notably amassing over two million followers on TikTok with the aid of her great-grandson, Dov Forman.

King Charles was among the many who paid tribute to Ms. Ebert following her death. In a statement, the king expressed “great sadness” at her passing, while highlighting her “extraordinary resilience and courage.” He noted her decision to make Britain her home after the war, where she remained a steadfast voice of remembrance for the atrocities she witnessed, serving as a powerful reminder of humanity’s capacity for both evil and redemption.

Dov Forman, Ms. Ebert’s great-grandson, also shared heartfelt words on social media, painting a picture of “Safta,” the beloved matriarch of their large family. “She was the queen of our large, loving family,” Forman wrote, emphasizing how Ebert’s story served as a beacon of hope and a lesson in the dangers of hatred.

The broader community also remembered Ebert fondly. Wes Streeting, a Labour Member of Parliament, called her life “extraordinary,” while Karen Pollock of the Holocaust Educational Trust described her as “the epitome of strength and determination.” Michael Newman, the chief executive of the Association of Jewish Refugees, praised her as “a trailblazing advocate for Holocaust education,” commending her efforts to bridge generational divides through compelling storytelling.

Ms. Ebert, alongside Forman, authored a book titled “Lily’s Promise,” recounting her life after the Holocaust and the resilience she exhibited in rebuilding her world. She and Forman also educated many young people on the Holocaust’s horrors through their viral TikTok videos, which garnered widespread attention.

In recognition of her efforts, Ms. Ebert was awarded an MBE in January 2023, honored for her services to Holocaust education. Her family has announced that she will be laid to rest in Israel after a funeral service in London, alongside her husband who predeceased her.