Statement on the Passing of Lily Ebert, MBE

The passing of Lily Ebert, MBE, marks the end of a life that stood as a powerful rebuke to the worst of human nature. Lily, a survivor of Auschwitz, was among the last of a generation that bore witness to the darkest chapter of history. Through her survival, and even more through her tireless efforts to educate, she became a living reminder of the capacity for both unspeakable evil and unyielding resilience.

In an age where the lessons of history are increasingly distorted or forgotten, Lily Ebert was a voice of unshakeable truth. Her personal story was not only a testament to the horrors inflicted upon Jews during the Holocaust but a warning to future generations. She reminded us all that there are forces in the world—still today—that would gladly repeat the crimes of the past if we allow ourselves to grow complacent.

Lily understood that remembrance was not a passive act, but an essential moral duty. Through her public engagements, her work in schools, and her memoirs, she tirelessly ensured that the voices of the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis would not be lost to the winds of time. In a world increasingly indifferent to facts and history, her dedication to educating others stood as a bulwark against ignorance and hate.

But more than that, she embodied the triumph of survival. Lily’s life, far from being defined by the cruelty she endured, was a story of strength, family, and hope. She did not allow the weight of history to crush her, but rather used it to give meaning and purpose to the future.

As we reflect on her passing, we must recognise the depth of our loss. With each survivor who departs, a direct link to the horrors of the Holocaust fades, leaving us more vulnerable to those who seek to rewrite history. Yet, in celebrating Lily Ebert’s life, we reaffirm our commitment to the truth she so bravely upheld. Her legacy will endure, as both a warning and an inspiration.

May her memory be a blessing and may her courage and wisdom guide us in the face of today’s growing threats.