American Friends of Oketz at the Israeli-American Council Summit
American Friends of Oketz is proud to participate in the IAC Summit, bringing the story of Israel’s elite K-9 Unit from the battlefield into the heart of the community.
Throughout the Summit, we invite you to meet our team, hear firsthand stories from Oketz veterans, and engage with the mission of supporting soldiers and their canine partners long after active service ends.
Here’s what we’ll be showcasing at the IAC
Discover the various programs and initiatives we offer to support the welfare of Oketz's community. From educational projects to healthcare services, we are dedicated to making a positive impact.
Booth & Stories
at the Shuk
We’ll be hosting a booth in the IAC Shuk, where visitors are invited to meet the American Friends of Oketz team and engage directly with the mission. Throughout the Summit, we’ll be sharing photos, videos, and firsthand stories from the field, featuring Shaked and Gilad, two recently discharged Oketz soldiers who served in active combat zones over the past two years.
IAC Talk: Leadership, Resilience & Recovery
Saturday, 5:00 PM
On Saturday at 5:00 PM, Boaz Ozery will take the IAC Talk stage for a seven-minute, TED-style presentation as part of the Summit’s high-impact speaker series.
Talk title:
"From the Battlefield to the Community: Leadership, Resilience, and Recovery in Action"
The talk explores responsibility beyond service, the role of community in recovery, and how leadership continues long after the uniform comes off.
L’Chaim Gathering
(Invitation-Only)
Friday, 4:00 PM
On Friday at 4:00 PM, we will host a private L’Chaim gathering honoring service, resilience, and shared responsibility. This informal, invitation-only moment will bring together friends of the mission for conversation, connection, and time with Shaked and Gilad as they share their experiences and reflections.
Invitations will be extended personally by our team during the Summit. Location details will be shared directly with invited guests.
Contributions, Gifts, and Participation
At the summit
Carry the Mission With You
Offered as a gift in recognition of support
Discover our newly released Leading the Pack pendant designed to honor service, resilience, and responsibility beyond the battlefield.
Offered as a meaningful gift in appreciation of a donation, alongside additional items including hats and pins.
Leading the Pack — The Book
A gift in appreciation of a donation
A powerful collection of stories from Israel’s elite K-9 Unit, written by veterans and commanders who lived them.
Available as a gift in appreciation of a donation, with the English edition currently in development.
L’Chaim Gathering
Invitation-Only
On Friday at 4:00 PM, we will host a private L’Chaim honoring service, resilience, and shared responsibility.
An informal, invitation-only gathering with Shaked and Gilad, recently discharged Oketz soldiers, sharing stories and conversation.
