By outdoor-nature-child.com In a touching tribute, King Charles celebrated the “extraordinary resilience and courage” of Holocaust survivor Lily Ebert, who passed away at the age of 100. Ebert’s harrowing journey began in 1944 when she was deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau, where she tragically lost her mother and two younger siblings to the gas chambers. Despite the horrors of the Nazi death camp in German-occupied Poland, Ebert and her two sisters managed to survive.
On the day she passed, her great-grandson, Dov Forman, shared that she died peacefully at home, surrounded by her devoted family. Expressing his sorrow at her loss, King Charles emphasized his pride that Ebert found a home in Britain, where she continued to share the horrific experiences she endured.
He remarked, “Her stories serve as a permanent reminder for our generation—and for future generations—of the depths of depravity and evil to which humankind can fall when reason, compassion, and truth are abandoned. Along with other Holocaust survivors, she became a vital part of our nation’s narrative; her remarkable resilience and courage stand as an inspiration to us all and will never be forgotten.”
In a heartfelt social media post, Forman described Ebert, lovingly referred to as Safta, as the “beloved matriarch” of their family, who will be deeply missed. He reflected, “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 necessity of standing against prejudice.”
Forman also spoke about her enduring family legacy: “Safta was the queen of our large, loving family. With a surviving daughter and son, along with 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 challenging times.”
Together, Forman and Ebert co-authored the bestselling book “Lily’s Promise,” which chronicles her life after the Holocaust, with King Charles even contributing a foreword. The pair also utilized TikTok to educate younger generations about the atrocities of the Holocaust, creating content that resonated with billions around the globe.
After being liberated from Auschwitz at the age of 20, Ebert lived in Switzerland and Israel before settling in the UK with her husband in 1967. In recognition of her contributions to Holocaust education, she was honored with an MBE in January 2023.
Michael Newman, the chief executive of the Association of Jewish Refugees, praised her as a “trailblazing advocate for Holocaust education,” highlighting her role in bridging generational divides and reaching millions through social media.
As we approach the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz this Holocaust Memorial Day, Newman remarked that “Lily’s zest for life will burn brightly in our thoughts.” Karen Pollock, CEO of the Holocaust Educational Trust, described Ebert as “the epitome of strength and determination,” underscoring her remarkable story and unwavering spirit.
Ebert’s family has announced that she will be laid to rest in Israel alongside her husband following a memorial ceremony in London.