Book SummaryLily's Promise, by Lily Ebert and Dov Forman

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Lily's Promise

The narrative of Lily Ebert details her life before, during, and after the Holocaust.

Lily Ebert's narrative, which recounts her joyful existence prior to the conflict, her harrowing experiences during the Nazi regime, and her unwavering resolve, offers a detailed account of her experiences throughout the Holocaust and beyond.

Lily's early years were filled with happiness while she grew up in Hungary.

The narrative depicts the kin and communal relationships surrounding Lily in Bonyhád.

Lily Ebert was born in December 1923 and spent her formative years in the charming town known for its market, Bonyhád. Lily grew up in a well-to-do Orthodox Jewish family surrounded by many family members, taking delight in playing in the winter landscape, showed a strong passion for education, particularly enjoying mathematics, and although she started with an interest in embroidery, her enthusiasm for it soon diminished. One of her siblings, Piri, was artistically gifted, and their mother would always make lunch for them. Burgi, a Christian housekeeper, lived with them and provided significant assistance on the day of rest.

Every Friday morning, the family would engage in baking an assortment of cakes, which included a yeast and milk loaf with various fillings, as well as a sponge cake. During the Jewish New Year festivities, they prepared circular challah and included the head of a carp in their feast, accompanied by customary blessings. The festive atmosphere of the town, her participation in synagogue services, and the cherished moments shared with her family greatly enhanced her happiness. The family album featured photographs of her hardworking brother Bela, as well as images of her mother Nina, her father Ahron, and preceding generations of her family.

Lily, along with her siblings René, Piri, Bela, and Berta, was raised in Bonyhád, a town celebrated for its deep-rooted Jewish heritage, and there they were steeped in their religious traditions. They enjoyed the lush gardens, participated in gardening, and helped with pickling cucumbers and bottling fruit. The family members lived harmoniously, often gathering to enjoy traditional dinners at the week's end. They resided in a neighborhood renowned for its hospitable environment and the rarity of new visitors.

Lily and her brothers and sisters often met up at each other's houses. The region was characterized by its welcoming atmosphere and vibrant activity, reflecting a community spirit and economic well-being. The textile business run by her father, along with the porcelain store operated by her uncles, played a role in the area's economic scene. Lily attended a primary school designed specifically to meet the educational requirements of Jewish students. During her formative years, her family observed the customs of their Jewish heritage. Lily, along with her siblings, often dressed alike, which demonstrated their shared enthusiasm for literature. For many generations, her family had lived in Bonyhád, a town known for its prominent Jewish heritage, which was once home to a large Jewish population.

Lily assumed the responsibilities of the main caretaker within her household by virtue of being the oldest sibling.

Lily, as the eldest, naturally took on the responsibility of...

Lily's Promise Summary Lily endeavored to reconstruct her life and reunite her family following the chaos.

Lily's story is a testament to the indomitable nature of human resilience when confronted with inconceivable challenges. Upon liberation from the horrors of the Holocaust, she embarked on a journey to rebuild her life and search for any family members who had also endured and survived.

Lily ultimately found freedom and was able to start anew by settling down in Switzerland.

After her liberation by American forces, Lily was safeguarded by Private Hyman Schulman and Rabbi Herschel Schacter in Switzerland. On May 4, 1945, she was issued an identity card that implored all officials to provide her with the highest level of assistance because of her past imprisonment and forced relocation, which was a consequence of her being Jewish.

Lily ultimately reunited with family members who had also survived the harrowing experience.

Upon receiving a telegram in Switzerland that confirmed her brother Imi's survival, Lily was overwhelmed with happiness. They focused their efforts on locating any surviving family members and the friends they had grown close to during their time...

Lily's Promise Summary Lily's unwavering dedication to recounting her Holocaust experiences and her determination to narrate her personal story.

Lily was initially reluctant to make her experiences known to the general public.

Lily made a firm commitment to shield her relatives from the unsettling aspects of her past.

Lily, from her early years, was determined to record her ordeals from the Holocaust and, when circumstances permitted, to disseminate them, although she often refrained from discussing these memories to protect her family from the anguish. She kept her harrowing past to herself, fearing it might harm her future generations, and made conscious efforts to shield them from the anguish she had endured. Lily's family collectively steered clear of discussing the Holocaust in an effort to protect each other from the anguish associated with that period.

Lily recognized the importance of conveying her story to others.

Lily came to understand that her silence did not afford her the safeguard she had anticipated. The proceedings marked a pivotal moment, underscoring the futility of perpetually concealing the truth from the younger generation. Lily realized her duty to impart her story, acknowledging that children frequently exhibit more wisdom and resilience than they are typically acknowledged for....