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Auschwitz survivor honoured by King dies aged 100

PA Media Lily after being made a MBE at Windsor Castle in January 2023. She has short, black hair and is smiling. She is wearing a cream jacket and black and silver hat.PA Media
Lily Ebert, who was sent to Auschwitz during World War Two, died on Wednesday

A 100-year-old Holocaust survivor, whose story became famous as she searched for the family of a soldier who saved her, has died.

Hungarian-born Lily Ebert, who lived in north-west London, was taken to Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1944 with her family when she was 20.

Her story went viral four years ago when she tried to find out more about the American soldier who liberated her from a death march in Germany.

The King is among those who paid tribute to Ms Ebert, praising her "extraordinary resilience and courage".

Ms Ebert had been determined to reach as many people to share her experiences, which led her to embrace social media.

King Charles wrote: "As a survivor of the unmentionable horrors of the Holocaust, I am so proud that she later found a home in Britain where she continued to tell the world of the horrendous atrocities she had witnessed, as a permanent reminder of the depths of depravity and evil to which humankind can fall, when reason, compassion and truth are abandoned."

She answered questions and explained the ordeal to younger generation, and with the help of her great-grandson, Dov, she gained two million followers on TikTok.

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Ms Ebert's great-grandson, Dov Forman, wrote on X: "[Her] story touched hundreds of millions worldwide, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit and the dangers of unchecked hatred.

"She was the queen of our large, loving family.

"A light that shone so brightly has gone dark. She was our hero".

Labour MP Wes Streeting said: "What an extraordinary life and example to all of us", the National Jewish Assembly described her as "a remarkable woman", and the London Victims' Commissioner said: "I am so sorry to read this sad news. What a legacy she leaves."

PA Media Lily, wearing a black and white blazer, and King Charles, in a navy suit, having a conversation in front of her portrait.PA Media
King Charles III (then the Prince of Wales) met Ms Ebert at an exhibition in Buckingham Palace in 2022

Karen Pollock from the Holocaust Educational Trust, said: "Lily Ebert was the epitome of strength and determination.

"She will be remembered for her incredible story, her unparalleled tenacity and her zest for life.

"She belongs in the list of Jewish heroines."

Ms Ebert is survived by a daughter and son, 10 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Her family said her funeral will be held in London and she will be buried in Israel.

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