BROOKLYN, N.Y. - TelAve -- BROOKLYN, N.Y.,  — Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso honored Rabbi and Animal Chaplain Mikhail Salita with an official Citation issued on October 29, National Cat Day 2026, recognising his contributions to the Brooklyn community.

The recognition coincides with growing international attention to Salita's efforts to preserve the Kanaani, an exceptionally rare Israeli cat breed developed in Jerusalem in the 1990s by Doris Pollatschek.

From Brooklyn to Jerusalem

Salita founded the Royal House of Kanaani and the American Kanaani Revival Program. His preservation initiatives operate through The World Kanaani Organization (TWKO), under the umbrella of the Salita Foundation, a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

An ordained rabbi and Animal Chaplain, Salita combines theological education, international law, and animal welfare advocacy. His mission connects compassion for animals with education and cultural preservation.

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King Solomon's Golden Cat

The Royal House of Kanaani draws inspiration from Targum Sheni to the Book of Esther, which describes King Solomon's legendary throne decorated with golden animal figures, including a cat.

Salita views this ancient image as a cultural symbol connecting Jewish heritage with the modern Kanaani breed's Jerusalem origins, rather than evidence of direct biological ancestry.

International Recognition

In August 2026, Queen Haifa and her daughter, Princess Haya, simultaneously reached No. 1 in their respective adult and Kitten/Junior categories in the World Cat Federation's Best Cat 2026 Kanaani rankings following a two-day exhibition in Vantaa, Finland.

Their achievement was recognized by Record Holders Republic and documented in Ukraine.

Salita's preservation program has received recognition from five record organizations: Official World Records, Noble World Records, Record Holders Republic, London Book of World Records, and Ukraine's Unified Register of Records.

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On October 20, 2026, London Book of World Records recognized his documentation of seven purebred Kanaani cats, an important milestone in protecting this rare breed.

Compassion Beyond the Cat Show

Salita is developing educational initiatives for schools, universities, libraries, and community organizations, using the Kanaani's history to promote animal welfare, Jewish cultural heritage, Holocaust remembrance, and efforts against antisemitism.

His Animal Chaplaincy work emphasizes empathy, responsibility, and the human-animal bond.

The Brooklyn Borough President's Citation marks another milestone in a mission connecting local community service with international conservation.

For Salita, preserving the Kanaani means safeguarding a living heritage for future generations.

Visit www.twko.org for details