JCC: Book Series Lunch & Learn – Dog by Yishay Ishi Ron

Dog by Yishay Ishi Ron

Dog is a poignant and unflinching exploration of the search for meaning after the  wreckage of war, told through the eyes of an Israeli combat officer returning from Gaza.  Haunted by trauma, he spirals into heroin addiction, finding himself among Tel Aviv’s  community of misfit junkies—until a stray dog enters his life and becomes a beacon  of hope, guiding him through a transformative journey marked by despair, resilience, and ultimately hope for salvation.  

Beyond its deeply personal narrative, Dog offers a raw and immersive examination of PTSD’s mechanisms—how extreme stress, moral injury, and the experience of combat  can rewire the brain, making a return to civilian life seem nearly impossible. With  sharp social critique and profound emotional depth, the novel sheds light on invisible  wounds and those who carry them, while illustrating the therapeutic power of a simple  soulful connection, and how the path to redemption can be illuminated in the most  unexpected of ways.  

Yishay Ishi Ron is an Israeli writer and former soldier in an elite combat unit who lives with severe PTSD. Writing has been a vital part of his healing journey, and Dog is deeply rooted in his personal experiences. Dog was longlisted for the Sapir Prize – Israel’s most prestigious literary award. He lives near Tel Aviv with his wife and three children.