Lily Ebert was the epitome of strength and determination. She lived to be 100 years old – she was invincible and we thought she would live forever. A proud mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother, her large loving family was her revenge against the Nazis. She will be remembered for her incredible story, her unparalleled tenacity and her zest for life.
She was 20 years old when she was deported from her home in Bonyhad in Hungary to Auschwitz-Birkenau. On arrival she was separated from her mother Nina, her younger sister Berta, and her younger brother Bela – they were all immediately sent to the gas chambers. Lily and her sisters Renee and Piri were selected for work. From Auschwitz, Lily was transferred to a munitions factory near Leipzig, where she was eventually liberated by Allied forces. After liberation she was sent to Switzerland to recuperate and from there went to Mandate Palestine. She later recalled standing on Rothschild Avenue hearing the Declaration of Independence and recalled the tremendous joy she felt.
Lily came to the UK, raised a family and lived life to the full. She spoke tirelessly about her experiences, never slowing down, always determined to make sure the world would never forget. She spoke in schools and colleges across the country, she was revered by politicians and world leaders, respected by Prime Ministers and members of the Royal Family - her portrait was commissioned by His Majesty The King. With her great grandson Dov Forman she co-wrote her story in ‘Lily’s Promise’, which has been translated into dozens of languages and read across the world. With Dov she created a TikTok account with 2 million followers – she educated the world.
She belongs in the list of Jewish heroines alongside the likes of Rachel, Miriam and Esther.
May her memory be a blessing.