Crime Against National Heritage of Israel

A Crime Against Israel’s National Heritage

When we speak of national pride, we often think of history, heroic deeds, culture, and traditions… But national pride is not only about people and their achievements. It is also about nature, unique animal species that are connected to the land and the history of the country.

And now, we are faced with a shocking fact: the only national cat breed developed in Israel, the Kanaani, has disappeared.

It exists only on Wikipedia pages—like a ghost, a memory of something that could have been a symbol of Israeli wildlife, but was forgotten and lost. This is a crime against national heritage. How could this have been allowed to happen? How could people watch indifferently as the only cat that truly belonged to this land disappeared?

Yes, perhaps it was not commercially in demand. Maybe it did not become popular among breeders. But is that a justification for simply turning a blind eye to its disappearance? Aren’t rare animal species preserved in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries? Why was the Kanaani not preserved even there? Why is there not a single official cattery left?

It seems that no one cares. There are no official statements, no restoration programs, not even public discussion. Israel is a country that fights for its history, its culture, and its future. So why is no one fighting for the Kanaani?

Why is the Israeli government doing nothing?
Preserving a national breed is not just a matter of aesthetics or zoology. It is a matter of national identity. It is an opportunity to save a piece of Israel’s unique heritage for future generations.

It is disheartening to realize that in a country that has done so much to restore its history, its land, and its culture, there is such indifference that led to the disappearance of the Kanaani. This is a disgrace.

Does this align with the principles of Zionism? Wasn’t the very essence of Zionism to create and preserve everything connected to our land? So why has the only Israeli cat breed been left to vanish into obscurity?