Rambo, Dog Who Helped Catch Palestinian Militant, Honored By Israel’s President
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
JERUSALEM (JTA) — Rambo the dog visited the president of Israel, who honored him for his role in capturing a Palestinian terrorist.
Rambo, a 5-year-old Belgian Shepherd mix, was injured during an operation earlier this month with the Police counter-terrorism unit to capture the Palestinian man suspected of killing two Jewish-Israeli co-workers at a factory in the Barkan industrial zone in the West Bank.
Rambo was shot in the neck and was wounded all over his body with shrapnel during the operation to capture Ashraf Naalwa, 23, in the Askar refugee camp in the West Bank city of Nablus. He was shot while searching the building that was believed to be Naalwa’s hideout, after he eluded police and security forces for some two months.
The dog, who was accompanied to the meeting with Rivlin by his handler Sgt.-Maj. A. also was injured at the age of two and spent a year of recovery before returning to his unit, known as Yamam.
The president thanked the soldiers and Rambo for their contribution to Israel’s security.
“Outstanding soldiers are invited to Beit HaNasi (The Presidents’ Residence). From time to time, it’s a real pleasure to meet outstanding dogs here, too. Look after yourselves. You do vital work and we all thank you for it,” Rivlin said.
A pleasure to welcome Rambo to Beit HaNasi today. Glad to see he is recovering from his injuries. Rambo is an key part of the brave, determined and professional @israelpolice team that captured the terrorist responsible for the horrific attack at the Barkan industrial area. pic.twitter.com/zSUC4HnlYa
— Reuven Rivlin (@PresidentRuvi) December 25, 2018
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
