Lily Ebert

Early Life and Family

 
Lily Ebert, born Lívia Engelman on December 29, 1923, in Bonyhád, Hungary, was the eldest of six children in an Orthodox Jewish family. Growing up in a small town where Jews made up about an eighth of the population, Lily enjoyed a happy childhood filled with love and warmth. Her father was a textile merchant, and her mother came from a line of rabbis.
 

The Shadow of War

 
Lily’s idyllic life was shattered when Nazi Germany invaded Hungary in March 1944. At just 20 years old, Lily, along with her mother, younger brother, and three sisters, was deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau in July 1944. Upon arrival, Lily witnessed the unthinkable – her mother, younger brother Bela, and younger sister Berta were immediately sent to the gas chambers. Lily and her two other sisters, Renee and Piri, were spared and selected for work in the camp.
 

Survival and Liberation

 
For four months, Lily endured the horrors of Auschwitz. Throughout this time, she kept a small angel pendant, a gift from her mother, hidden in her shoe and later in her daily bread ration. This pendant became a symbol of hope and defiance. In late 1944, Lily and her sisters were transferred to a munitions factory near Leipzig, where they worked until Allied forces liberated them from a death march in April 1945.
 

A New Beginning

 
After liberation, Lily and her surviving sisters traveled to Switzerland to rebuild their lives. In 1953, she was reunited with her brother Imre, who had survived a Nazi labor camp. The family then emigrated to Israel, where Lily married Shm Ebert in 1948. Together, they had three children: Esther, Bilha, and Ahron.
 

Life in London and a Promise Fulfilled

 
In 1967, Lily and her family settled in London. It was here that she began to fulfill the promise she made to herself in Auschwitz – to share her story and give voice to those who perished. For decades, Lily spoke at schools, participated in Holocaust education programs, and shared her experiences with anyone who would listen.
 

A Social Media Sensation

 
In her late 90s, Lily found an unexpected platform to reach millions. With the help of her great-grandson, Dov Forman, she became a TikTok sensation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their account, which answers questions about the Holocaust, has amassed over 1.7 million followers and received more than 25 million likes.
 

Literary Success and Recognition

 
In 2021, Lily and Dov co-authored “Lily’s Promise: How I Survived Auschwitz and Found the Strength to Live,” which became a bestseller. Her efforts in Holocaust education were recognized with numerous honors, including the British Empire Medal in 2016 and appointment as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2023.
 

Legacy and Final Years

 
Lily Ebert passed away on October 9, 2024, at the age of 100. She left behind a powerful legacy of resilience, hope, and education. Her life story, from the horrors of Auschwitz to becoming a beloved great-great-grandmother and social media star, continues to inspire millions around the world.
 
Lily’s journey reminds us of the importance of bearing witness, the power of hope, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Her message of tolerance and understanding remains as relevant today as ever, serving as a beacon of light against hatred and prejudice.