Haredi Londoner Dov Forman Named in TIME’s 100 Most Influential Creators
Londoner’s Social Media Mission Preserves Survivor Stories and Combats Antisemitism
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Dov Forman, a 21-year-old Londoner and great-grandson of the late Holocaust survivor Lily Ebert, has been honored by TIME magazine as one of the 100 most influential digital creators of 2025 for his groundbreaking work in Holocaust education. The recognition highlights Forman’s innovative use of social media to preserve survivor testimonies and combat rising antisemitism, reaching millions worldwide.
Forman’s journey began during the COVID-19 lockdown when, as a teenager, he started sharing his great-grandmother’s experiences as an Auschwitz survivor on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Their joint TikTok account, which Forman continues to manage, has amassed over two million followers, making it a powerful tool for engaging younger audiences with Holocaust history. Lily Ebert, who passed away in October 2024 at the age of 100, survived Auschwitz-Birkenau, where she lost her mother, younger sister, and brother in 1944. Her story, co-authored with Forman in the bestselling memoir *Lily’s Promise: How I Survived Auschwitz and Found the Strength to Live*, has resonated globally, amplified by Forman’s digital storytelling.
“What began as a lockdown project sharing my great-grandmother’s Holocaust testimony online has become something far beyond what I ever imagined,” Forman posted online, expressing his humility at being included in TIME’s list. His work has been praised for its ability to bridge generational gaps, using modern platforms to ensure the lessons of the Holocaust endure, especially as the number of living survivors dwindles.
Beyond social media, Forman, a staffer at the U.K. House of Commons, has collaborated with organizations like the Holocaust Educational Trust, contributing to initiatives such as the Testimony 360 program, which uses virtual reality and AI to immerse users in survivor stories. He has also spoken at high-profile events, including UNESCO’s Holocaust Memorial Day conference in January 2025, where he emphasized the power of social media to counter misinformation and preserve historical truth. At a recent London synagogue event in April 2025, Forman joined community leaders to advocate for Holocaust remembrance, earning praise from figures like U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his impact.
Forman’s efforts come at a critical time, with global antisemitism on the rise since the October 7, 2023, attacks. His posts not only educate about the Holocaust but also address contemporary issues of hate, earning him accolades from organizations like the European Jewish Congress, which called his recognition “well deserved.” Forman’s work has also drawn attention for its cultural significance, with supporters noting its role in fostering empathy and intercommunal respect, particularly among non-Jewish youth.
As one of 38 great-grandchildren of Lily Ebert, who was awarded an MBE in 2023 for her contributions to Holocaust education, Forman carries forward her legacy with a modern twist. His inclusion in TIME’s list, announced on July 9, 2025, alongside other digital innovators, reflects the growing influence of online creators in shaping cultural and historical narratives. “Her story reached hundreds of millions online, proving Holocaust education is possible even in a world of fake news,” Forman noted, marking his first Holocaust Memorial Day without his great-grandmother.