We’ve been overwhelmed by the number of messages from supporters worried about our teams in Gaza, Israel, and the West Bank. Thank you – this means so much to all of us at Safe Haven.
We’re relieved to let you know that all our team members are currently safe. We’ll continue to keep you updated with any news as the situation evolves.
In Gaza, our team is working in the most unimaginable conditions. Every day brings new challenges and the heartbreak of treating injured animals in the middle of a war zone.
Today, we’re sharing a personal update from Dr Saif, who heads up our team in Gaza. His diary offers a moving glimpse into what daily life is like right now – and their unwavering commitment to the animals who need us most.
And your support makes this work possible. We couldn’t help so many donkeys, mules and horses without you – you are a vital part of the Safe Haven team.
If you’d like to send a message of support to our teams, please email us. We’re in regular contact with them via WhatsApp, and your kind words mean the world.
Dr Saif’s diary from Gaza
Thursday 5th June
Our team continues to work with extraordinary courage and compassion. Some of the team are living in makeshift shelters on the searing shores of the Mediterranean, others in towns like Deir Al-Balah and Al-Qararah, cycling for hours to reach one another.
In the first week of June, our team responded to 13 emergency calls.
Despite everything, the team treated 139 animals this week – mostly donkeys and horses. These animals had cracked and infected hooves, were dehydrated, and had open wounds that need to heal. Our team rushed to 13 emergency calls this week alone, sometimes just in time to offer relief.
Supplies are scarce, and securing medicine takes days of travel and danger. But still we remain committed to our work.
In total we provided urgent, life-saving veterinary care to 139 animals.
Thursday 12th June
Despite our exhaustion our team keeps going. Our mission burns within us – our promise made to the voiceless animals we’re helping. So we carry on. Town to town. Animal to animal. And our hearts remain strong. These are not just acts of service – it’s acts of love.
Our dedicated Gaza team continue to serve animals in need.
Saturday 14th June
We’re now in the midst of an internet black out. We can only hope our connection with the outside world is restored soon. Only the faintest satellite signals remain, making even brief contact painfully difficult.
But we are carrying on. Just this week we rushed to an emergency – to help an animal struck by shrapnel. We are on the frontline helping as many animals as we can. I hope to update you soon.
Our team are currently unable to send photo updates, but we hope to receive more soon – and we’ll share them with you as soon as we can.
Our Gaza team will not give up
No matter the obstacles they face, our team will not give up. As long as they are able, they will continue to reach donkeys, horses and mules in need – offering comfort, treatment and compassion in the most desperate of conditions.
Thank you for standing with us and our brave mobile vet teams across Gaza, the West Bank and Egypt.
Your support means more than words can say.
Our dedicated Gaza team continue to help as many donkeys, mules and horses as they can – all thanks to you.
Thank you ♥️♥️
Everything our vet teams do to support working donkeys, mules, and horses is only possible because of you. Your generosity helps us protect animals and support their owners across the West Bank, Gaza, and Egypt – as well as care for rescued donkeys at our sanctuary in Israel and our rescue centre and hospital in the West Bank.
Thank you for making this vital work possible.