Jewish Doctor Receives Death Threats After Aiding October 7th Victims

Dr. Ira Savetsky, a prominent Jewish plastic surgeon based in New York City, has faced a barrage of death threats and harassment after offering free reconstructive surgery to survivors of the October 7th terror attacks, as well as IDF soldiers and victims of antisemitic violence. Despite the danger, Dr. Savetsky remains undeterred in his mission to help the wounded rebuild their lives.

The threats began shortly after he made his offer public and have intensified since. “There was an initial wave within a few weeks after October 7, and then I had a huge uptick of threats and attacks in January,” Savetsky told the New York Post. The harassment has been so severe that he has increased security measures for both his office and his home. His wife, Lizzy Savetsky, who was briefly cast on The Real Housewives of New York, has also been targeted. Harassers sent her messages on WhatsApp, including disturbing photos of her parents' house in Texas, accompanied by threats such as, "we’re coming for your family."

The threats have been relentless, with some going as far as telling Dr. Savetsky to “kill himself in front of his children” and threatening to "come to his practice and beat the s— out” of him. One particularly vile Instagram message read: "F— YOU YOU DISGUSTING JEW BAG CRIMINAL. Hopefully somebody will kill u … you are the vermin and scum of this planet."

Dr. Savetsky has reported the threats to law enforcement, filing at least five complaints since October. Although no arrests have been made, Savetsky maintains faith in the authorities, saying, "I have great respect for law enforcement and believe they are working hard to protect us, taking these threats very seriously.” However, he expressed a desire for more decisive action to be taken against those responsible.

Despite the danger, Savetsky remains committed to his work. In June, he performed reconstructive surgery on David, an IDF soldier who sustained severe facial injuries after being ambushed by terrorists. Thanks to Dr. Savetsky’s efforts, David is expected to make a full recovery.

These threats, rooted in antisemitic hate, have not deterred Dr. Savetsky from his mission of helping those affected by violence and terror. His dedication and courage are a testament to the values of compassion and resilience, even in the face of vile hatred.

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