Recently, the pop–up exhibition "This Is All the Magic: 40 years of unconditional love" opened at the Yehudit Light Rail Station in Gush Dan, located near the Sarona complex. It is an exhibition by the Let the Animals Live association that depicts the unconditional and healing bond between cats and dogs and humans.
The exhibition features photographs by photographer Sveta Butko, which display people with disabilities alongside dogs and cats, some with visible disabilities. The images reflect the ability of pets to create a healing presence for humans, and the non–judgmental acceptance and unconditional love that is formed between people and animals, and vice versa.
"Deep and moving bond"
Butko says that her interest in the connection between humans and domestic animals began after her son was referred for animal–assisted therapy a few years ago. "There, through the camera lens, I saw how a deep and moving bond was born between Dan and the animals, and I felt I must document and share it with others. It is important to me that we all reflect the wonderful ability of animals to contain us, humans, with all our complexities."
The exhibition was born out of a collaboration between the Let the Animals Live association and Tevel from the Egged Group, the operator of the light rail in Gush Dan, and it marks 40 years of activity for the association. The exhibition will be displayed for the coming month at the Yehudit Station in Tel Aviv, during all operating hours of the station.
"We need them no less than they need us"
Yael Arkin, CEO of Let the Animals Live: "The exhibition is a direct mirror of the ability of dogs and cats to affect human well–being. It shows that contrary to what people usually think, sometimes it is us who need them no less than they need us. We hope that the exhibition will touch the hearts of its viewers and convince them to adopt a dog or a cat, because whoever adopts actually saves two animals: The one who received a home, and the one for whom space became available in the shelter."
Amiram Ohayon, CEO of Tevel from the Egged Group: "I welcome the cooperation with the Let the Animals Live association at the Yehudit Station, the heart of the public space through which thousands of passengers pass every day. The activity to encourage animal adoption expresses values of responsibility and giving, values that we are proud to promote as an integral part of our work for the community. I invite the public to come, be moved and perhaps also open their heart and home to a new friend."
Let the Animals Live: A non–profit organization
The Let the Animals Live association was established in 1986 and is a non–profit organization, which aims to improve the protection of animals and promote their rights, including providing assistance to animals in distress, rehabilitating them and finding them adoptive homes. Throughout its years of existence, the association has raised public awareness of the importance of protecting animal lives and preventing their abuse, by expanding and enforcing the Animal Welfare Law. The association operates three veterinary clinics, a shelter, an emergency hotline, rescue vehicles, a legal department and a variety of social projects integrating animals and humans.