Your response to our appeal has been so overwhelming, and I am deeply moved by the compassion you’ve shown for donkeys, mules and horses, and the people who depend on them for so much since the war started. I want to thank all our donors for your incredible generosity to our Gaza appeal. Thanks to you we have raised over £96,000 – that’s enough to fund our Gaza programme for over 9 months.
Your support is enabling our team, led by Dr Saif, to reach animals in desperate need – and in turn help the people of Gaza too. Today I’d like to share one story that shows just how much your help means – the story of Umm Waa’l and her donkey.
I’d also like to invite you to click through to our website where you can see a full update from Dr Saif of the incredible achievements of the team.
It’s really humbling they are able to deliver such incredible support to animals in need, despite the challenges they meet every single day – but it’s only thanks to your support.
Thank you so much.
A message from Dr Saif in Gaza
Not long ago, I received a call from Umm Waa’l, a 55-year-old woman who had lost her family, her home, and her farm in an explosion. In the midst of her grief, only her donkey remained by her side. Her companion and – as it turns out – her saviour.
This is Umm Waa’l’s companion – her life saving donkey
When the blast struck, Umm Waa’l was thrown to the ground and left consciousness. No ambulance could enter her neighbourhood – and it was her donkey who raised the alarm. Her brave companion brayed loudly until two young men, themselves fleeing the destruction, turned back to investigate.
Our Gaza team are there for hundreds of animals in need, every day.
They found Umm Waa’l badly injured so quickly, using her donkey and cart, they carried her to the hospital in Deir Al-Balah. Her donkey had saved her life.
Months later, Umm Waa’l contacted me again. Her voice was soft as she explained: “My donkey, the one who saved me, has been injured by shrapnel as I moved to my tent on the coast. Can you help him?”
Donkeys and horses are a lifeline to so many people in Gaza – it’s vital our team help them.
Thanks to your support helping to fund our team, we were there and could say yes!
We treated her donkey and helped ease his pain. As we worked, Umm Waa’l told us: “Nothing here is free, except your service. Thank you for relieving the pain of my donkey – the one who carried me to safety, the one who stayed with me when everything else was gone.”
Our team travel by bicycle to provide first aid to animals who need it most – free of charge, all thanks to you.
For Umm Waa’l, her donkey is more than an animal – he is a reminder of resilience and survival. And for us, he is a symbol of why our work matters.
This is just one story among so many. Every day, we hear calls for help from people and animals who have endured the unimaginable.
And every day, because of your generosity, we are able to respond. We are able to help, to heal.
Your support is vital to our work – thank you.
On behalf of Umm Waa’l, her loyal donkey, and countless others who depend on our care, thank you.
Dr. Saif
Safe Haven’s Gaza Team
Thank you ♥️♥️
Thanks to you, our rescue at our sanctuaries in Israel and the West Bank receive the daily care they deserve. Your generosity also supports our vet teams, who work tirelessly to help working donkeys, mules, and horses across the West Bank, Gaza, and Egypt. None of this would be possible without you.
Thank you for making this vital work possible.
Your support helps us care for thousands of donkeys, mules and horses every month. Thank you.