Community Engagement
Ways to connect learn, and participate
American Friends of Oketz builds meaningful connections between American Jewish communities and Israel’s elite K-9 unit.
This page offers pathways for families and communities to engage - through learning, values-based experiences, and shared responsibility.
The Bar & Bat Mitzvah Project
A meaningful way to connect a Jewish coming-of-age moment with values of responsibility, courage, and service.
The Bar & Bat Mitzvah Project invites families to engage with the real stories of Oketz soldiers and their canine partners - creating an experience that is thoughtful, educational, and persona
Ways to shape your Mitzvah Project
Awareness & Learning
Host a small gathering, class, or conversation in your community to learn about Oketz, service, and responsibility. This can include sharing stories, short videos, or a guided discussion provided by AFO.
Giving with intention
Choose to dedicate a portion of Bar/Bat Mitzvah gifts to support AFO in honor of the child.
We will help you build a dedicated landing page with a unique link to your Mitzvah gift project. You can encourage your guests to participate in giving tiers, with an appreciation keepsake from the event such as an Oketz pendant or the latest book.
Visiting Israel
Families celebrating in Israel may explore opportunities to connect more deeply with the story and values behind Oketz through curated educational experiences.
Contributions, Gifts, and Participation
What we are building is ongoing — rooted in education, memory, and meaningful connection between American Jewish families and Israel’s elite K-9 unit.
Carry the Mission With You
A gift in recognition of support
Discover our newly released Leading the Pack silver pendant designed to honor service, resilience, and responsibility beyond the battlefield.
Offered as a meaningful gift in appreciation of a donation.
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.
Coming soon:
A live Zoom webinar with Yakir Hajaj, a veteran of Israel’s elite Oketz K-9 Unit and Leading the Pack
co-author with Lia Lahavi
Learn through story
IAC Recorded Talk
"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.
AFO Coming to you
Community gatherings & talks
"From Service to Strength: Oketz Voices -
Shared Stories, Shared Responsibility"
by: Shaked and Gilad Oketz veterans
We are currently building Gilad and Shaked’s national speaking itinerary for May through September, and their schedule is filling quickly as we coordinate communities from the Northeast to California. If your community is interested in hosting them for a talk or gathering, we invite you to contact us soon so we can explore availability and include your community in this national tour.
