Holocaust Survivor and Dedicated Dog Trainer Hannah Ish Horowitz Dies at 92
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Holocaust survivor Hannah Ish Horowitz, a key figure in Israeli dog training, died at 92.
- She trained dogs and competed until her final week of life.
- Horowitz was a long-time board member and secretary of the Israeli Protection and Rescue Dog Club.
- She translated dog training regulations and achieved high competition levels.
- She is remembered as a role model for dog trainers in Israel.
Hannah Ish Horowitz, a prominent figure in Israel's dog training community and a Holocaust survivor, passed away at the age of 92. She remained actively involved in dog training and competitions until the final week of her life, rising at dawn to train her dogs.
Horowitz, who lost her parents at age 8 during the Holocaust, immigrated to Israel in 1947. She often described her love for German Shepherds, which began in her childhood in Warsaw with a dog named Alma, as a "contagious" passion. In recent years, she competed with her dog Dana, who came from the Oketz canine unit. Despite her lifelong affinity for German Shepherds, she developed a deep affection for the Malinois breed after raising a German Shepherd for 13 years.
In a recorded interview, Horowitz recounted how, after vowing not to get another dog, she found herself drawn back to training, eventually accepting a Malinois named Dana. She described Dana as a unique dog, possessing the Malinois's energy while also being a devoted companion. Dana would stay by her side when she felt unwell.
The Israeli Protection and Rescue Dog Club announced her passing, calling her a "cornerstone" and the "beating heart" of the club for decades. Horowitz joined the club in 1983 and served on its board and as its secretary for many years. She also contributed significantly to Israeli cynology as the secretary of the board of the Israel Kennel Club.
She was known for professionally training German Shepherds to achieve high levels of success, including Schutzhund 3. Her professional contributions also included volunteering to translate the FCI working trials regulations from German to Hebrew. Until her last days, she continued competing in IGP trials with Dana, her first Malinois. The club expressed special thanks to Dana for her loyal companionship.
Many dog trainers mourned her loss, remembering her as a role model who demonstrated immense commitment, seriousness, and discipline. She was seen as a guiding light for aspiring dog trainers in Israel. Horowitz is survived by three sons, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Her funeral is scheduled for Thursday at the cemetery in Petah Tikva.
Read the original at Ynet