Join us at Har Zion Temple for a meaningful and inspiring program with the Israel Guide Dog Center, featuring IDF veteran and Paralympian Achiya Klein and his guide dog, Joy.

In 2013, Achiya was serving as a 22-year-old officer in an elite IDF commando unit when he was severely injured during a mission outside of Gaza and lost his vision. After months of recovery and multiple surgeries, Achiya began setting new goals for his life. With the support of a guide dog, he went on to compete in triathlons and Ironman competitions, earn advanced degrees, learn new skills, continue serving Israel, and represent Israel at the Tokyo Paralympic Games. The attached Israel Guide Dog Center profile notes that Achiya also competed with Israel’s national rowing team at the 2021 Paralympics and earned a master’s degree in Government, Diplomacy and Strategy in Counter Terrorism and Homeland Security.

Achiya and Joy will share a story of resilience, grit, courage, and the extraordinary bond between a guide dog and the person whose life it helps transform. Joy, a yellow lab, was partnered with Achiya in November 2023 and has become an essential part of his continued independence and active life.

The Israel Guide Dog Center is the only internationally accredited program in the Middle East providing guide dogs for Israelis who are living with low or no vision, PTSD service dogs for IDF veterans, and emotional support dogs for children with special needs.

JFGRS families are especially encouraged to attend this powerful program with Rabbi Shawn, offering our students and community a real-life story about resilience, perseverance, and finding strength after life changes in unexpected ways.