During Israel’s 2014 Operation Protective Edge, Oketz K9 unit soldier Ben Fuxbruner and his dog Kimba were wounded in combat. Kimba later died from her injuries. Alongside his physical trauma, Fuxbruner developed severe sleep disturbances—a struggle that would eventually inspire him to found a sleep technology company named after his dog.
“In a single moment, I aimed my weapon at one of the buildings and placed Kimba under cover. Suddenly, I heard six shots from the right. Everything turned white, there was a loud ringing in my ears, and I was thrown to the ground. When I opened my eyes, I saw Kimba covered in blood. I touched my face and saw my hand was full of blood. I grabbed Kimba and jumped into a room, where I saw more wounded soldiers.”
That is how, 11 years later, Ben Fuxbruner, now 30, described the moment he was seriously injured during the battle of Shuja'iyya, a neighborhood in Gaza City.
Fuxbruner was a soldier and commander in the IDF’s Oketz K9 unit, which had been attached to the Golani Brigade’s 13th Battalion during the operation. He also survived the infamous APC disaster, in which seven soldiers were killed, including Staff Sgt. Oron Shaul.
Fuxbruner was airlifted to a hospital with serious injuries. Kimba, who was also wounded, was taken to the IDF’s veterinary hospital in Beit Dagan, where she died months later. Fuxbruner underwent multiple surgeries, and to this day, parts of his face remain too sensitive to touch.
“Many times I think Kimba stayed alive just long enough to help me survive. When I finally stood up and returned to the army, she let go. That was extremely difficult,” he recalled.
Despite returning to service, he struggled with post-traumatic stress and debilitating sleep disorders.
“Every time I closed my eyes, I saw my blood-covered hand,” he said. “Every little noise startled me into a combat-ready state. It was impossible to fall asleep, and if I did, I’d wake up sweating from nightmares. At the time, I wasn’t open to talking about it. I wanted to appear strong. I believed that if I ignored it, it would go away.”
After completing his service, Fuxbruner studied mechanical engineering at Tel Aviv University, where he reunited with Gabi, a friend from his military days. Together, they launched Kimba, a company that uses real-time biometric data and scent technology to improve sleep quality.
“Our sense of smell is directly connected to the limbic system, the part of the brain responsible for memory and emotion,” said Fuxbruner. “Just as scent can trigger traumatic memories, we can use that same mechanism in a positive way. During sleep, this connection is even stronger—it bypasses other regions and communicates directly.”
Get the Ynetnews app on your smartphone: Google Play: https://bit.ly/4eJ37pE | Apple App Store: https://bit.ly/3ZL7iNv
Kimba’s system uses data from wearable sensors to control a smart scent diffuser placed near the bed. “It analyzes a person’s psychological and physiological state, along with their sleep stages, and emits the right scent at the right time,” Fuxbruner explained. “The goal is to prevent awakenings, calm the sleeper, and deepen rest. It’s not just for people with PTSD—everyone needs better sleep.”
The company is backed by leading sleep researchers, including Prof. Peretz Lavie, former president of the Technion, and Dr. Anat Arzi, who heads a scent and sleep lab at the Hebrew University. Kimba has already drawn significant investment and is conducting clinical studies with universities and hospitals.
“My greatest hope is that Kimba will help improve the sleep and lives of as many people as possible,” said Fuxbruner—and it seems he is well on his way.