EL AL | Atmosphere

Dog Lovers United An Israeli couple living in Canada has opened its home and its hearts to abandoned Israeli dogs in search of a new adoptive family. EL AL Cargo is giving them a helping pair of wings \ By Erez Hadari

Canadian Rob Sheinberg and his Israeli partner Danielle Eden have founded an animal shelter in the land of maple syrup. They fly dogs languishing in shelters in Israel, to adoptive families in Canada, at their own expense. Hundreds of dogs have been flown over to Rob and Danielle’s rescue ranch ‘Dog Tales’ in these past years, and Canadian homes have been found for many of them. According to head of EL AL Cargo Ronen Shapira, the initial goal was to fly 200 dogs to Canada, but this figure has grown exponentially. “We became committed to saving these dogs and resolved to lower the cost of the operation in order to widen this humanistic and important project. Cargo space being limited, adjustments were made. We took care of the bureaucratic side of things and even flew the empty dog cages back to Israel for the next bunch of pups”, Shapira explains. Rescues and shelters across Israel are involved in the project. “My husband and I are able to count on donations to go on rescuing these dogs. The adoption process here is tough, and families are obliged to pay tax when they adopt”, says Danielle. The couple acquired a horse ranch in Ontario which they modified to suit the dogs’ needs. “The work we do is very satisfying: receiving photos of the animals we took care of enjoying life in their new homes is priceless”, adds Danielle.

Photos: Courtesy of ELAL

Haverim L’Refuah - unused medication collection sites

Did you know that even at a high altitude, you can still save lives? How so? By dropping off medication you don’t need anymore, at one of the 1000 ‘Haverim L’Refuah’ collection sites. Once collected, the medication is delivered free of charge to patients who will no longer need to choose between food or medication. In 2021 alone, over $33 million of medication was delivered to people across Israel. The Haverim L’Refuah (Friends of Medicine) organization helps over 7,000 patients a month in cooperation with 38 pharmaceutical companies, and EL AL personnel is it too, involved in collecting and delivering the medication to those in need. For more details go to: haverim.org.il

Photo: Ilan Nahum

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ATMOSPHERE NOVEMBER 2022