Israel Guide Dog Program

Join us for a talk from a former IDF soldier injured in 2013 in Gaza, about his life and his guide dog.

Due to the nature of the discussion, this is a 13-and-over program.

In 2013, as a 22-year-old officer in an elite commando unit of the IDF, Achiya led his men on a mission to destroy a terrorist tunnel outside of Gaza. During the mission, an improvised explosive device was detonated, killing four terrorists and severely wounding Achiya, robbing him of his vision. “I woke up from the coma and could not see. The doctors hoped to give back my vision, but after many surgeries, they failed,” said Achiya.

After being discharged from the hospital, Achiya realized he had to set new goals.

In order to achieve these new goals, Achiya partnered with his first guide dog in 2015. Since then, Achiya has taken his fitness enthusiasm to the competitive level, competing for the Israeli national rowing team at the 2021 Paralympics in Tokyo. He also received his master’s degree in IDC Herzliya in Government, Diplomacy and Strategy in Counter Terrorism and Homeland Security.

There is no fee for this program, but a donation to the Israel Guide Dog Center is appreciated.