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600+ Animals Rescued from Israel

In the wake of the October 7 terror massacre by Hamas in southern Israel, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of Adam Benett and Yoav Ben David. These two friends, hailing from Kibbutz Kvutzat Shiller, embarked on a mission that would see them rescue over 600 animals, including 430 dogs, 200 cats, birds, fish, and guinea pigs.

The journey began on October 10 when Benett joined forces with Yoav to rescue dogs in the affected region. Initially expecting a handful of animals, the duo soon realized the gravity of the situation. Benett took to Facebook, notifying the community of their mission and offering assistance to those missing their beloved pets.

The response was overwhelming. Within hours, Benett found himself inundated with thousands of phone calls and over 800 messages from volunteers and families desperately seeking to retrieve their pets. The need was urgent, and the duo worked tirelessly overnight to gather information, complete paperwork, and establish Mechaltzim Ve’nehenim, their new organization.

Securing permits to enter Sderot, an area still under threat from terrorist activities, was a crucial step. Some rescue teams were escorted by the Israel Defence Forces, while others waited for the right moment to enter independently.

To streamline operations, Benett set up an operations center in Beit Kama, located 30 minutes from Sderot. Here, rescued animals were received, identified, and efforts were made to reunite them with their owners. For those without owners, foster homes were sought, or animals were sent to advanced clinics for necessary treatment.

While the identification process was relatively straightforward due to mandatory pet registration in Israel, the actual retrieval of animals proved to be a challenge. Benett admitted that in the early days, they were in the field without a clear plan. However, the arrival of professional dog-catchers and medical staff among the volunteers greatly improved their effectiveness.

Among the dedicated volunteers was Tami, a 53-year-old professional working on the user interface of David’s Sling, an air defense system. Tami recalled the unique challenges faced, including being bitten by a terrified Pekingese in an area constantly bombarded by Hamas rockets. Despite the risks, she emphasized the magic that unfolded when volunteers came together to save the animals.

Karin Ofek Burshtein, a 42-year-old veterinarian, shared her experiences treating animals dealing with both physical and emotional pain. From hungry and dehydrated creatures to those suffering from PTSD, the rescued animals received the care they desperately needed.

Yair, a 22-year-old survivor of Hamas’s assault at The Nova Music Festival, exemplified the personal stories intertwined with this mission. After fleeing the festival, Yair contacted Benett to retrieve his dog, a rescue from Gaza. The reunion brought relief and showcased the profound impact of Benett and Yoav’s efforts.

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