Flossi Vows Support for Israel
In Israel, Tel Aviv is known as one of the most dog-friendly cities in the world. With an estimated one dog for every 11 residents, this has earned Tel Aviv a reputation for having one of the highest rates of dog ownership globally, especially relative to population size.
The Story of "Hachiko" – The Israeli Version
- One of the most touching stories in Israel is often compared to the story of Japan’s famous dog, Hachiko. In this case, a loyal Israeli dog would wait daily for his owner, a Holocaust survivor, to return to the bus station after work. Tragically, one day, the owner passed away, but the dog continued to wait for him at the station for years. Locals began caring for the dog, feeding and keeping him company. The dog's unwavering loyalty struck a deep chord with the community, making the story widely known in Israel.
- The Oketz Unit, Israel’s elite canine special forces, is another famous source of dog stories. The dogs in this unit are trained for military missions, including tracking, detecting explosives, and search and rescue operations. Many of these dogs are considered national heroes for their bravery in saving lives during dangerous missions. For example, there are stories of dogs in the Oketz Unit who detected bombs during the Second Lebanon War and in various operations in Gaza, preventing potential casualties. When one of these dogs dies in action, they are often honoured as fallen soldiers.
The Story of Lu-Lu the Dog and Gilad Shalit
- When Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was held captive by Hamas (from 2006 to 2011), his family’s dog, Lu-Lu, became a symbol of loyalty and hope. The black Labrador remained by the Shalit family’s side, comforting them during their long ordeal. Upon Gilad Shalit's release, Gilad and Lu-Lu reunited, bolstering the family's emotional resilience and the power of a dog’s companionship.
The Hero Dog of the Carmel Fire
- During the 2010 Carmel Forest Fire, one of the worst natural disasters in Israeli history, a heroic dog named Shira became known for her bravery. Shira, a mixed-breed dog, guided her owner and several others through thick smoke and out of danger as the fire approached their area. Her keen instincts and loyalty saved lives, and she was later honoured for her actions during the crisis.
Dogs Rescued During Operation Protective Edge
- During the 2014 Gaza War, also known as Operation Protective Edge, there were several stories of soldiers being saved by military dogs from the Oketz Unit. In one instance, a dog named Levi detected a tunnel that Hamas fighters were using to stage an ambush on Israeli forces. Levi's discovery helped avert a potentially deadly surprise attack, making him a hero in the eyes of the soldiers.
The Story of "Nili"
- In the early days of Israeli independence, a dog named Nili became famous for her work with the Haganah. This Jewish paramilitary organisation later became part of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Nili was trained to deliver messages across dangerous terrain and often accompanied Jewish fighters during the tumultuous period before and after the founding of Israel. Her story is part of the broader history of how animals played roles in Israel's fight for survival.
