Lily Ebert at her home in London, UK, in January 2024. (Photo credit: Adam Lawrence/March of the Living UK)
LONDON, October 9, 2024 — March of the Living is deeply saddened to mourn the passing of Holocaust survivor Lily Ebert, who passed away peacefully this morning at the age of 100.
Scott Saunders, Chairman of March of the Living UK and Global CEO, said: “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. Her remarkable partnership with her great-grandson Dov Forman on social media, especially through their TikTok videos, reached younger generations and educated them about the horrors of Auschwitz and the strength of the human spirit.Through her deeply moving memoir, Lily’s Promise, co-authored with Dov, Lily ensured that her legacy would live on for generations to come. May her memory continue to resonate and serve as a reminder of the need to protect the lessons of the Holocaust.”
Lily Ebert’s work has left an indelible mark on Holocaust education, and March of the Living will continue to carry her message of resilience and hope, passing the torch of memory and responsibility forward.
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The family statement:
Lily Ebert MBE BEM
Wednesday 9th October 2024
On behalf of the family we are heartbroken to announce the peaceful passing of Lily Ebert z”l, who passed away of old age early this morning, at home surrounded by family at the age of 100.
On 9 July 1944, Lily, aged 20, and her family arrived at Auschwitz-Birkenau. Her mother, younger sister, and brother were murdered in the gas chambers. In the face of unimaginable loss, Lily made a promise to herself: if she survived that hell on earth, she would tell her story—not with anger, but with strength, dignity, and the determination to honour those who did not. Never has a promise been so profoundly fulfilled as hers.
Over the years, Lily’s story has touched hundreds of millions worldwide. Her life-affirming intergenerational memoir, ‘Lily’s Promise’, co-authored with her great-grandson Dov Forman, is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the dangers of unchecked hatred. Lily taught the power of tolerance and faith, the importance of speaking out, and the need to stand against prejudice.
Lily is survived by a daughter and son, ten grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. Her husband and eldest daughter pre-deceased her.
