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A 100-year-old Holocaust survivor, whose story became famous as she searched for the family of a solider 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.
Ms Ebert was praised by the King and received an MBE for services to Holocaust education.
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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”.
Ms Ebert is survived by a daughter and son, 10 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
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Ms Ebert had been determined to reach as many people to share her experiences, which led her to embrace social media.
She answered questions and explained the ordeal to younger generation.
With the help of her great-grandson, Dov, she gained more than one million followers on TikTok.
Now, people are paying tribute on social media.
On X, Labour MP Wes Streeting said: “What an extraordinary life and example to all of us.”
The National Jewish Assembly wrote: “She was a remarkable woman”, and the London Victims’ Commissioner said: “I am so sorry to read this sad news. What a legacy she leaves.”
Ms Ebert’s family said her funeral will be held in London and she will be buried in Israel.
