Dogs are no strangers to the service industry; they’re used to working side-by-side with humans as guide dogs for the visually impaired, police assistants, and emotional supporters for those suffering from mental illnesses – but did you know that dogs can also help prevent terrorist attacks?
Pups for Peace was founded in 2002 following the Passover Massacre at Israel’s Park Hotel, which resulted in 30 deaths and 120 civilian injuries. PFP is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that helps train explosive-detective dogs to prevent suicide bombings and other types of terrorist offensives, saving hundreds of civilian lives in the process. Since the organization’s beginnings, they have trained nearly 300 dogs and 150 handlers to form highly efficient bomb detection squads.
This is more than a simple support group, it’s a crucial part of protecting Israel’s visitors and non-military population. Former Mayor of Jerusalem and Deputy Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, a former Mayor of Jerusalem and Deputy Prime Minister of Israel attests to the necessity of the organization, saying, “With existing security forces already stretched to the limit, the use of trained dogs, capable of detecting explosives and providing early warning of attacks is desperately needed and welcomed.”
The PFP motto to “detect terror to save lives” has helped them grow into a major organization with international recognition, and was honored by the Knesset in 2004. However, they still need your support! The total cost of training one of these very special, life-saving dogs is approximately $25,000 – that’s no small sum, but it’s nothing compared to the value of a human life.
Pups for Peace is currently focused on putting its paw-power where it’s most needed – in protecting Israel’s public transportation. Their contributions to general safety have been so significant that major officials continuously recognize their efforts. Accord to former Minister of Transport Meir Sheetrit, “The need for terror prevention measures of all kinds is ongoing and will continue to be with us in the foreseeable future. Your success is our success as we work together to combat terrorism for the security of the people of Israel.
Supporters in the US include many prominent members of the Jewish community as well as public figures like former New York Governor George Pataki, who even has a bomb detection dog named after him! At a fundraising luncheon for the organization, Pataki said, “I am delighted that this pup, that will help ensure peace in Israel, has been named after me.”
Luckily, there are many ways for you to become part of the Pups for Peace team. If your son or daughters Bar/Bat Mitzvah is coming up, Pups for Peace is a great way to introduce your child to the world of philanthropy! Many young people start grassroots organizations to raise money for this important charity, and learn the benefits of humanitarian work in the process.
The best way to offer support is to adopt a dog, but at $10,000, this may not be in your price range. If you don’t have the ability to adopt, consider hosting a “Parlor Party” for a group of friends and neighbors. Hosts need only to supply refreshments and a venue, and a speaker affiliated with PFP will come to share information about the organization. Bark up a storm! Tell everyone you know about this wonderful organization and help spread world peace in the best way possible – with puppies!
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