Soldiers and Dogs:
The Combat Medic Saving Dogs in Gaza
She’s 20 years old combat medic serving in Gaza. Beyond caring for soldiers, Ayala (a pseudonym) has another concern: the fate of the dogs that she encounters everywhere.
This combat medic in the IDF, the most moral army in the world, is also helping rescue dogs from Gaza and finding them homes.
Amid baseless rumors worldwide accusing IDF soldiers of ethnic cleansing and war crimes in Gaza, our soldiers repeatedly prove that the IDF is the most humane and moral army caring for both people and animals.
Many soldiers show care for the stray dogs in Gaza, who wander in search of warmth and love as they struggle to survive against impossible odds.
One of those soldiers is Ayala from Herzliya. She rescues civilians and soldiers alike, providing medical, many times life saving aid – and she has a soft spot for the dogs of Gaza.
As a combat medic, Ayala has treated people with all levels of injuries throughout her service. In addition, she has rescued and saved dogs, finding them foster and adoptive homes through various organizations and the project "Lehitnadev Balev" (Volunteers in heart www.4lev.org), which connects animal rescue organizations with volunteers who want to help.
Alongside her concern for soldiers, Ayala also worries about the dogs that she sees everywhere.
Ayala shares, “While there are rumors of a law allowing the killing of stray dogs, our soldiers try to care for them and find an organization or someone who can rescue them.
These dogs, many of whom are accustomed to humans, suddenly find themselves in a living hell they can’t comprehend.
The dogs – both adults and puppies – are mostly friendly, healthy, adorable, scared, and now facing a tough cold winter.
As our unit is fighting in Gaza, we see many dogs almost everywhere. These sweet dogs live in survival mode every moment of the day, searching for food and love while enduring constant crossfire.”
Ayala explains why the dogs are near IDF forces:
“The dogs are usually in the areas where units operate because there are food scraps and warmth from the vehicles and tanks. They come to us seeking warmth and love.
Just a few days ago, we were moving in a convoy in the rain when the driver behind my vehicle noticed a small puppy running toward a tire and almost being run over.
The commander next to him quickly ran out to pick up the puppy. The terrified pup, covered in mud and soaked from the rain, ended up in his arms.
After we rescued the puppy, I posted about it on social media and spoke with many people until I found an adoptive home for him.”
