Saving lives in Israel with security dogs and Search and Rescue dogs – The I.D.U - Israel Dog Unit is the leading charity organization in Israel when it comes to life-saving work with canines, both in the area of security, as well as in the area of searching for and rescuing missing people - be they Alzheimer patients, children or hikers lost and injured in the wilderness, or victims trapped under collapsed buildings due to rocket attacks, gas explosions or natural disasters. A dog could be the most effective tool in the battle against terror – detecting and helping to neutralize terrorists. Similarly, dogs are the most effective tool at our disposal to help find and rescue missing people.
Also providing unique opportunities and support for -Youth at risk, Olim and Lone Soldiers - it is not only about saving lives with Security dogs or with Search and Rescue Dogs. The IDU – Israel Dog Unit also provides housing and support for our lone-soldiers who combine their IDF service with service in the IDU as they volunteer in the unit during their breaks from the army to help us find and rescue missing people.
Our canine unit also helps Youth at Risk finish their education while volunteering in our unit, and helps bring volunteers and new olim from around the world to Israel to help in our special life-saving mission. Our full service Kennels and dormitory operate throughout the year and answer emergency calls around the clock.
Nobody out there is doing what we do- There is no other outfit in Israel that provides canine security, while also engaging in searches for missing people in Israel. In many searches we are alone with a handful of family members of the missing person. And when it comes to security dogs, we are often the first and last line of defense in many vulnerable Jewish towns throughout Israel. We continue to work hard to protect Jews in Israel as well as to prepare Israel for any situation including earthquakes where dogs can play a special role in finding and rescuing hundreds of people under collapsed buildings.
Successes We have had many successes in aiding the army and police prevent terror attacks, as well as to find missing people with the help of our specially trained security, tracking, Search & Rescue and cadaver dogs.
Recommendations The IDU comes highly recommended by police precincts around Israel who regularly call upon the Israel Dog Unit to aid and manage searches for missing people. Over recent weeks IDU received awards from the Haifa and Ofakim Police precincts for our role in finding two missing people. Former Brigadier General Knafo of the Shomron region sent a letter of recommendation on behalf of the Israel Dog Unit, as did Rabbi Dov Lior, Chief Rabbi of Hebron , Rabbi Chai, Chief Rabbi of Itamar, Rabbi Gadi Shalvin of Maaleh HaZeitim, the Mayor of the Shomron Regional Council and many more public officials and leaders in Israel.