This week, I want to share something incredibly moving with you – a diary from Dr Saif, who leads our heroic mobile vet team in Gaza.
As you’ll read below, Dr Saif and the team are risking their lives to reach animals in urgent need, providing first aid and comfort in unimaginably dangerous conditions.
Thanks to your generosity, we’re proud to confirm that funds are still reaching Dr Saif, allowing him to buy vital medications and supplies locally – everything from antibiotics and antiseptics to pain relief and wound dressings. Your donations are making a real difference, every single day.
Dr Saif’s diary from Gaza
Monday 12th May
We were working in Ma’an, a rural area where farmers had pleaded for us to provide help. One donkey was critically ill, unable to stand. As we made our way there, a massive explosion hit at the University in Khan Younis – just 1km from where we stood.
Shrapnel flew in all directions. By nothing short of a miracle, we were unharmed. We should have stopped, turned back. But we didn’t. We couldn’t.
When no one else can go, we go – because the animals still need us.
Despite the danger, the team continues their mobile rounds, providing field care for donkeys, mules and horses across Gaza.
Wednesday 14th May
I thought Monday was the worst. It wasn’t.
Yesterday was the hardest day since the war began.
We were near the European Gaza Hospital, responding to more urgent calls. While mid-treatment, a sudden, devastating blast shook everything. The hospital park and surrounding buildings were reduced to rubble.
And still – we stayed. We finished our treatments. Not because we weren’t afraid, but because we refuse to abandon all those donkeys who depend on us.
We live every day encouraged by your unwavering support. That is what keeps us going.
Providing first aid our team works quickly to relieve pain and prevent infection.
Thursday 15th May, morning
Today, we met an elderly woman who had lost almost everything – her husband, her children – all taken by the war.
All that remained were her animals.
To her, these animals are more than companions. They’re the only family she has left.
When she asked for help, we treated the donkeys gently, with care and compassion. She stood silently beside us, tears falling – not only for what she had lost, but for what was still standing. A flicker of hope.
And as we finished and promised to return for follow-up care, she smiled. Just a little. And in that smile was everything – dignity, relief, and gratitude for the help we were able to provide to her donkeys.
The elderly woman we met on Wednesday watches as her beloved donkey, Jenny, receives treatment.
Thursday 15th May, evening
Today, I filmed a short video. Just a few minutes. But it took everything I had.
I am exhausted. And my heart is heavy from all we’ve witnessed. But I knew I had to speak.
I made the video for those who can’t talk – the injured donkeys left limping in silence, the horses too frightened to move, the foals trembling beside rubble. I made it for the voiceless.
Please watch it. Not just to see, but to feel.
I hope it reaches every corner of the world, because these animals deserve to be seen. Their lives matter.
“I made this video for the voiceless.” – Dr Saif
Dr Saif shares a powerful message from the frontline in Gaza. Please watch his video and hear about some of the animals who need us now, more than ever.
Why we won’t give up.
Every week, every day, we face danger. This week, we survived two explosions that could have ended everything.
But we’re still here. Still standing. Still treating animals, still helping, still showing up where no one else can.
And that’s because of you.
Your support gives us the strength to keep going. Your donations fund the pain relief, bandages, antiseptics, and our team. And your compassion reminds us we’re not alone.
Together, we are a lifeline for animals and people alike – a light in the darkest of places.
Thank you.
Thank you ♥️♥️
It’s only with your help we are able to improve the lives of working donkeys, mules and horses in the West Bank, Gaza and Egypt. You’re also helping to fund our hospital in Nablus in the West Bank and care for our rescue donkeys in Arrana, as well as our donkeys at our sanctuary in Israel.
Our Gaza team remains determined to carry on – bringing vital care to donkeys who mean everything to the communities that rely on them.