30 years of dedicated daily care for abandoned animals.
From Israeli tennis champion to a legacy of compassion.
Yehoshua “Shuka” Shalem works day after day for the benefit of street cats and abandoned dogs in Tel Aviv. Through several permanent feeding stations throughout the city, he ensures that dozens of animals have access to food, basic monitoring, and assistance as needed.
What began as a personal act of responsibility and compassion has evolved over the years into a continuous, long-standing operation, built on a genuine commitment to the field and the desire to ensure that even animals with no one to care for them are not left behind.
Our Mission
Daily care for abandoned animals
Today, the activity includes the regular feeding of 50 to 80 cats and dogs daily at several feeding stations across Tel Aviv. These figures represent genuine, consistent, and daily operations that have been maintained for years.
Cats and dogs a day
feeding stations
Years of operations
Who is behind the operation
A Champion's Story Yehoshua "Shuka" Shalem
Shuka Shalem is well known to many as one of Israel’s most prominent former tennis players. Between 1966 and 1974, he won the Israeli National Tennis Championship nine consecutive times, represented Israel on the Davis Cup team, and earned a bronze medal at the Asian Games.
However, alongside his sporting career, a different mission evolved over the years—one that is quiet, daily, and continuous: caring for animals on the street. For decades, Shuka has been feeding street cats and abandoned dogs, monitoring their well-being, and at times assisting with medical treatments, spaying, and neutering according to need and capability. Today, these operations are carried out by Shuka Shalem, together with family members and supported by the involvement of volunteers and collaborations with veterinarians and others.
The Importance of the Foundation's Activity
How Your Donation Saves Lives
Street cats and abandoned dogs live in a state of constant instability. Many animals depend on inconsistent food sources and often lack a steady solution, basic care, or a familiar figure who monitors their well-being.
Regular feeding provides them with an anchor. It ensures organized access to food, reduces suffering, contributes to stability in the field, and helps identify cases where additional intervention is required.
Shuka’s work is based precisely on this principle—not a one-time gesture, but long-term perseverance.
Purchasing food for cats and dogs
Medical treatments in necessary cases
Expanding feeding stations
Supporting daily field operations
Where do the donations go
Daily activity for abandoned animals
Even a small donation can be the next meal for a hungry animal. Donate and join the circle of supporters:
From Tel Aviv to wider operations
Become partners in the legacy
Some people leave behind a career. Some people leave behind achievements.
Shuka Shalem leaves behind a legacy of compassion. The legacy of a man who chose not to ignore the cats and dogs living on the street.
Now, we can continue his path.
If you also find it difficult to remain indifferent when you see a hungry cat or an abandoned dog in the street—you are already part of our mission. And now, you can truly help them.
A Legacy of Compassion
Every champion needs a team. Join us
If you value supporting consistent, reliable activity that provides real value to street cats and abandoned dogs—we would be honored to have you join our supporters.
Join us in our mission to save the animals!
