In moments of profound crisis, true leadership often reveals itself not through words, but through actions. This year, board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon Ira Savetsky, MD was honored for his extensive pro-bono work during the Israel-Hamas war at a fundraising gala in NYC. Held at the Plaza Hotel, the gala was thrown to raise additional funds to rebuild Soroka University Medical Center’s surgical ward — a Beersheba facility directly hit by an Iranian missile strike.
The American Friends of Soroka Medical Center hosted the gala not only to close a funding gap as Soroka continues to rebuild, but also to honor Dr. Savetsky, a trauma reconstruction specialist, for his pro-bono surgical work and longstanding commitment to survivors of antisemitic violence in the U.S.
Despite having no prior formal affiliation with Soroka, Dr. Savetsky traveled to Israel in October 2024 to serve as a volunteer surgeon during one of the most challenging periods in the medical center’s history. Featured in international publication The Times of Israel, Dr. Savetsky recalls how many people arrived at the hospital with complex injuries requiring reconstructive surgery, burn care, and multidisciplinary trauma management — precisely the areas in which Dr. Savetsky is highly trained.
“Given that Soroka is the closest tertiary-care hospital to Gaza, many of the soldiers who were wounded while protecting all of us were brought there,” Dr. Savetsky shared. “I felt called to be there, to use my surgical skills in a meaningful way. So many of the wounded required reconstructive surgery and complex care for the injuries they sustained in battle. Truly, it was one of the highlights of my career.”
Although Israel’s government and major philanthropists quickly pledged hundreds of millions of dollars to support both immediate stabilization and long-term reconstruction, Soroka still faces a monetary shortfall needed to rebuild essential infrastructure. The gala, where Dr. Savetsky was recognized, served not only as a celebration but as a critical step towards meeting the hospital’s urgent needs.
Dr. Savetsky’s experience at Soroka also highlighted something often overshadowed in global coverage of the region: the extraordinary diversity and unity within Israel’s medical community. “Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze, and Bedouin — people from every background — work side by side to deliver the best possible care to every patient, regardless of religion, race, or identity,” Dr. Savetsky recalled. “That unity defines the country at its finest.”
A Lifelong Connection to Israel
Dr. Savetsky’s bond with Israel began during childhood. Raised on Long Island and educated at a Jewish day school, Dr. Savetsky felt connected to Israel well before ever stepping foot in the country. His study abroad year in Jerusalem during the Second Intifada in 2002 exposed him to the devastating human toll of terrorism — an experience that shaped his worldview and deepened his sense of responsibility.
When visiting Jerusalem on October 7, 2023 with his family, Dr. Savetsky recalls his “overwhelming sense of helplessness.” He states, “As a physician, when something like that happens, your instinct is to ask, ‘How can I help?’” For Dr. Savetsky and his wife, supporting Israel has become a defining part of their family identity.
As Soroka works to rebuild and strengthen its facilities, Dr. Ira Savetsky’s humanitarian leadership stands as a testament to the extraordinary impact one individual can make, not only through surgical skill but through compassion, conviction, and the courage to answer the call of those who are suffering.
Dr. Savetsky’s humanitarian efforts are an incredible inspiration to our entire team. At our NYC practice, we’re passionate about helping every person who visits our practice achieve the goals that will further their health, happiness, and quality of life. Contact our team today to learn more about our services, or if you’re ready to schedule a consultation with Dr. Savetsky.