Dear BFL Family,
One thing about Israel that the entire world would all agree on, there is never a dull moment here. With all the issues around the political situation, it’s easy to overlook the fact that there have been terror attacks almost every 3 or 4 days in the over 3 weeks. For us this is personal. These are attacks on our family. Every time there is a terror attack all of us at BFL automatically think the same thing- “I wish I could have been there to help.” (Actually one of our BFL members was able to help stop one of these attacks, but unfortunately, that is all I am able to report on the matter.)
At the same time, there are amazing things happening every day here, and that is certainly true at BFL. Last week we had our third annual Iron Brother multisport race, which started at the Sea of Galilee and ended at our new Beith Achim in Kibbutz Alonim near Haifi. I wish I could have transported you all here to be part of over 170 members running, cycling, swimming, climbing, and kayaking. We trained for months to push ourselves and each other beyond what we thought were our limits. We all won because we raced together.
Here is a short clip of one of our amazing BFL paralyzed heroes, Andre, taking part in the swim race. Andre inspired us all and kept us going.
I want to share with you another unforgettable moment. 10 years ago our BFL leader Raphael Kellen went on a special mission with his K9 partner Tito, an incredible Belgian Shepard. During this mission, Tito smelled a bomb and immediately put himself between the bomb and Raphael. Seconds later the bomb exploded and Tito saved Raphael’s life by sacrificing his own. Raphael, badly injured, was carried for 5 hours back to Israel by another soldier, Nave and three other team members, which left Nave Injured as well.
A week before the Iron brother, Raphael and Nave met again at BFL for the first time since their injuries. They decided no matter what they were going to run and finish the race together.
One of the most meaningful aspects of this story is that as part of Nave’s healing, he decided to recently get a service dog named Jack. What a powerful circle. Raphael’s dog Tito, saved his life, and now Nave’s dog Jack is helping Nave reclaim his life. (These service dogs are simply amazing and this year we plan on providing six service dogs for our BFL members who are in need).
Just another regular, miraculous day in Brothers for Life.
Shabbat Shalom from Israel,
Yaniv
ps. Part of the story I did not mention above is that Raphael and Nave’s team also carried Tito’s body for five hours back to Israel, to be buried in the special IDF canine cemetery. Bringing Tito’s body back to Israel was never a question. These dogs are heroic and beloved by all of us. They literally save our lives and we owe them everything.