Aish Ha’am Candidate Lizzy Savetsky: Learn About Your Jewish Identity and Stand Up to Hate

Activist and influencer Lizzy Savetsky has made her Jewish identity the focal point of her life.

“My Judaism is my north star,” she told Aish. “It’s how I parent, how I eat, how I live, and my work. It’s completely, inextricably linked to every part of my being.”

Lizzy, a wife and mother, posts about her Jewish life and news on Israel on her Instagram, where she has over 390,000 followers. She documents moments with her husband Dr. Ira Savetsky, a plastic surgeon, kvells over her children, and shows her family marching in the annual Celebrate Israel Parade. She also doesn’t shy away from tough topics, like advocating for the hostages and standing up to antisemitism.

For years, Lizzy, who became religious in college, has been a vocal Zionist and proud Jew. However, in the aftermath of Oct. 7, she amped up her activism. She is now on the Aish Ha’Am slate and running to be a delegate for the World Zionist Organization’s Congress.

“The World Zionist Congress offers amazing resources and gives a lot of power to do good work,” she said.

Why the Aish Ha’Am Slate Is Meaningful to Lizzy

When Lizzy was starting to learn more about her Jewish roots, she turned to Aish for guidance – which is why running on their slate is significant to her.

“As someone who didn’t grow up religious, Aish has a very special place in my heart,” she said. “When I was finding my way, feeling a bit lost, Aish was really there to provide me with what I needed to fill that spiritual void. If we could bring that same magic to Jews around the world, it would be so fulfilling.”

She continued, “As important as the other slates are, this is the one that is going to ensure our Jewish future.”

If Lizzy is elected, she looks forward to continuing her work on a larger scale.

She said, “I can elevate my platform and my mission and meet with likeminded people who have shared goals. I’ll have access to resources to make things happen. The message is one thing, but the action is another. The World Zionist Congress is an opportunity to activate the message.”

Lizzy’s Message? Emphasize Jewish Education

At this time, putting Jewish education at the forefront is crucial, according to Lizzy.

“There a lot of Jews who have deluded themselves into thinking they will somehow escape the hatred and the antisemitism if they hide their identity or side with the people who demonize and hate us,” she said. “But I know from our history books and my family’s stories that you can never run away from who you are. Antisemitism is a wakeup call for us to lean into our Judaism more than ever. It’s been so beautiful to see Jews putting on a Magen David for the first time, lighting Shabbat candles, baking challah… That’s the most important and best response we can see.”

If we want young people to actively embrace their Judaism, Lizzy said that we need to educate them on what it means to be part of this community.

“When I think about the world and demonization of Israel, it all comes down to the lack of education. Jews really need to know we are and be so deeply rooted in our understanding of being Jewish that when the world tries to tear us down, we can stand strong. That all comes down to education, and that’s what Aish stands for… What are we even fighting for if we don’t know who we are?”

Lizzy suggests that young people should dive into learning about the Torah and their ancient heritage, rituals, and tradition. They should also link up with their fellow Jews, since it’s such a lonely and isolating time.

“We are in the middle of a very long fight that is very far from over,” she said. “[These things will] keep us steady and remind us of what our purpose is in this life. It’s the only way we can really survive. There’s nothing more important for a young person to do than to make them figure out what makes them feel Jewish – and do it over and over again.”