Lily Ebert, a Holocaust survivor who became a TikTok sensation, has died at 100, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and hope that touched millions worldwide.
At a Glance
- Lily Ebert, Holocaust survivor and author, passed away at 100 years old
- She survived Auschwitz and lost her mother and two siblings to the gas chambers
- Ebert became a TikTok star with 2 million followers, sharing her story with younger generations
- Her memoir, “Lily’s Promise,” became a New York Times bestseller
- King Charles led tributes, highlighting her dedication to Holocaust education
A Life of Extraordinary Courage and Resilience
Lily Ebert’s journey from the depths of Nazi persecution to becoming a beacon of hope and education is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Born Lívia Engelman on December 29, 1923, in Bonyhád, Hungary, Ebert’s idyllic childhood was shattered when she was deported to Auschwitz in July 1944 at the age of 20. There, she faced unimaginable horrors, losing her mother and two siblings to the gas chambers.
Despite the atrocities she witnessed, Ebert made a solemn vow during Yom Kippur in Auschwitz: if she survived, she would tell the world about the horrors she endured. This promise became the cornerstone of her life’s mission, driving her to speak out against hatred and intolerance for decades to come.
Tributes have been paid to a “trailblazing advocate for Holocaust education” after the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp survivor’s death aged 100.
Lily Ebert died peacefully at home surrounded by family, her great-grandson Dov Forman said on Wednesday.
She suffered “unimaginable loss”… pic.twitter.com/f6x7panp1A
— London Live (@LondonLive) October 9, 2024
From Survivor to Social Media Sensation
In an age where Holocaust denial and antisemitism continue to rear their ugly heads, Ebert’s story found new relevance through an unlikely medium: TikTok. With the help of her great-grandson, Dov Forman, Ebert amassed a following of 2 million fans on the platform, sharing her experiences and wisdom with a younger generation hungry for truth and authenticity.
“Lily Ebert’s incredible resilience and unwavering commitment to Holocaust remembrance has touched the lives of millions around the world. Through her courage and her work, she gave voice to the memory of the millions who perished in the Holocaust, ensuring their stories were never forgotten.” – Scott Saunders, Chairman of March of the Living UK and Global CEO.
This innovative approach to Holocaust education not only kept the memory of the victims alive but also served as a powerful counterforce to the spread of misinformation and hate online. Ebert’s TikTok videos became a virtual classroom, teaching millions about the horrors of Auschwitz and the strength of the human spirit.
A Legacy of Words and Wisdom
Ebert’s impact extended beyond social media. Her memoir, “Lily’s Promise,” co-authored with her great-grandson Dov Forman, became a New York Times bestseller. The book, which features a foreword by King Charles, serves as a permanent testament to her experiences and the lessons she sought to impart.
Her work ensured that the lessons of the Holocaust would be passed on to future generations, serving as a “permanent reminder for our generation – and, indeed, for future generations – of the depths of depravity and evil to which humankind can fall when reason, compassion, and truth are abandoned.”
A Life Well-Lived, A Legacy Enduring
Ebert’s passing at home, surrounded by her loving family, marks the end of a remarkable life but not the end of her influence. She leaves behind a large family, including a daughter, son, ten grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson – a living testament to her triumph over those who sought to eradicate her people.
As we reflect on Lily Ebert’s extraordinary life, we are reminded of the power of one voice to make a difference. Her story of survival, resilience, and dedication to education serves as an inspiration to all who seek to combat hatred and prejudice in our world. May her memory be a blessing and her legacy continue to inspire generations to come.
