In May, the Center organized a bike ride around Israel in order to raise awareness concerning the use of Service Dogs for IDF veterans with Post Trauma (PTSD). The idea of organizing a bike ride was initiated by one of our IDF PTSD graduates, Benzi (and his service dog Lugo). The problem is that while guide dogs are generally known in the country, the use of trained service dogs are not. This has resulted in our IDF PTSD graduates being refused entry into public facilities, transportation, hospitals, etc. The issue isn’t a matter of law, but of education. The confrontations that our PTSD graduates face in using their service dogs on a daily basis simply causes more aggravation and trauma.

We kicked off the bike ride at the President’s home with the President and Mrs. Michal Herzog and used the opportunity to hold a crowdfunding campaign for PTSD Service Dogs. The crowdfunding campaign was held only in Israel and we raised about £65,000. (NIS 300,000 in Israel!) I have attached a more detailed report on the bike ride which I believe you’ll find interesting. The bike ride and the crowdfunding campaign was organized by Orit Abramovich, in charge of fundraising in Israel.