Her battlefront: social media

Lizzy Savetsky, who has risen to influencer fame with her passion for Jewish life and Israel advocacy, will headline the 2024 Grand Event, hosted by JUF Women’s Philanthropy on Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 6:45 p.m., at Bryn Mawr Country Club in Lincolnwood.

Inspired by the 2021 conflict in Gaza, Savetsky shifted her initial career focus in the fashion industry to activism for Israel and advocating against antisemitism.

“I realized that there weren’t any people in the influencer space advocating for the Jewish people in Israel, and it was a moment that we were just being pummeled on social media. I felt called to do something,” the New York City-based digital influencer reflected. “It’s the most fulfilling, meaningful work.”

 

Savetsky was also in Israel with her husband and three young children on October 7, an experience that she says forever changed her.

“I had lived in Israel, but I had never been in a bomb shelter before October 7,” she said. “We don’t realize that this is people’s reality in Israel. They live under the constant threat of attack. It was a very eye-opening moment. It was the first time that I felt like I understood what it must feel like to be Israeli.”

As a mother, Savetsky found herself having conversations with her young children that she wasn’t otherwise prepared for. “As the day went on, we got more details about what was happening and we started to understand the gravity of the situation. It became impossible to shield my children from the reality of what was happening,” she said. “I was scared for my homeland and on top of that, I was trying to keep my kids sane and feeling safe.”

 

A self-proclaimed “fighter,” Savetsky has relied on her innate strength to continue her role as an influencer in the face of rising antisemitism worldwide. “I think about my ancestors and the stories I was raised on about everything they had to fight for and through in order to live and worship freely and exist as a Jewish person on this planet,” she explained. “Although I often feel alone in the fight, I know that I am standing on their shoulders.”

She also draws inspiration from the brave IDF soldiers who have put their country first during the war. “They dropped whatever they were doing, packed up, left their families, and went to fight for us,” Savetsky said. “It is my job to fight on the digital front. It’s very hard because we are so outnumbered, the hate is so vicious, and it can feel hopeless at times, but it’s my duty.”

 

In this moment of history, Savetsky especially loves connecting with fellow Jews, seeing their faces, and hugging members of the community. In fact, attending and speaking at the Grand Event is in many ways a homecoming.

“I happen to love Chicago,” she said. “I went to summer camp in Wisconsin my whole life and would always go to Chicago with my parents for a few days after camp ended. The Jewish community there has a very special place in my heart. While I am not looking forward to the cold weather, but I am looking forward to the warmth of the community.”

Women who contribute an individual gift of $1,000 or more to the 2024 JUF Annual Campaign are invited to attend. Register at juf.org/GrandEvent. A virtual option is also available. If you have any questions, please contact Julia Kagan at [email protected].