Kingpays tribute to ‘extraordinary’ Auschwitz survivor who died aged 100

‘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 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.

‘Alongside other Holocaust survivors she became an integral part of the fabric of our nation; her extraordinary resilience and courage an example to us all, which will never be forgotten.’

Lily ran a TikTok account alongside her great-grandson, where she told stories about her experiences living under the Nazis during the Holocaust and giving insight into Jewish life and culture.

In a statement shared on social media, Lily’s family said: ‘We are heartbroken to announce the peaceful passing of our beloved matriarch, Lily Ebert, Mummy, Safta, who died at home surrounded by her loving family.

‘On July 9 1944, Safta 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, Safta 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, 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 need to stand against prejudice.

‘Safta was the queen of our large, loving family. With a surviving daughter and son – remembering a daughter who pre-deceased her – 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 live, never asking “why me?”. Instead, she focused on what could be rebuilt from the ashes, and her positivity continues to guide us through these difficult times.

‘As we mourn our beloved Mummu, Safta, we also celebrate her extraordinary life.

‘A light that shone so brightly has gone dark. She was our hero. and her absence leaves an unimaginable void in our lives.’

Following the end of the Second World War, Lily moved to Switzerland and then Israel where she lived for two decades before settling in London in 1967.

She lived in Golders Green until her death.