Release: PUPPIES RESCUED FROM THE LINE OF FIRE ARRIVE IN THE U.S.

Alexandria, VA, November 2 - On Friday, November 3, 40 puppies rescued from the north of Israel by the Alexandria, VA-based Concern for Helping Animals in Israel (CHAI) during the conflict with Hezbollah will arrive at JFK airport, eager for a chance at a new home in the U.S. The puppies, all around 4 months old, will be boarded at shelters throughout the Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland area, including the Montgomery County Humane Society, and the Arlington and Alexandria Animal Welfare Leagues, while they make appearances at adoption events.

"We reunited many puppies with their original families, and placed more with new families in Israel, but adoptions go slowly there," says Nina Natelson, CHAI's Director. "We want to give them the best opportunity we can to find homes, so we are bringing them here."

Through its sister charity in Israel, Hakol Chai, CHAI distributed over 12 tons of food, hundreds of water bowls, vaccines, leashes and other supplies to evacuated areas during the conflict, and rescued many animals from deserted homes and streets across the north after residents fled to bomb shelters. CHAI is grateful to Best Friends Animal Society of Utah for their support of its rescue efforts, and for providing volunteers to greet, feed, water, clean and exercise the puppies upon their arrival at El Al Cargo at JFK. The puppies are arriving on El Al flight 001, scheduled to land at 5:50 AM on Friday.

To see photos of the puppies up for adoption and dates of scheduled adoption events, see http://www.chai-online.org/en/home/e_index.htm or contact the organization on (703) 370-0333.