Before we share this week’s update from the West Bank and the hardships they are currently experiencing, I wanted to let you know about a change to our Gaza programme.
Many of you will be sorry to hear that Dr Saif has recently left Gaza to begin a new chapter overseas. We are deeply grateful for everything he achieved – thanks to his dedication, thousands of donkeys, horses and mules received vital first aid during an extraordinarily difficult period.
I’m pleased to say that our programme is now being delivered by a veterinary surgeon Dr Ahmed Thabet, who will continue to provide care to working animals in extremely challenging circumstances. We look forward to introducing you to Dr Ahmed and sharing more about his work in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, thank you for your continued support, which allows us to provide life-saving care to so many animals in Gaza and across the Middle East.
Update from the West Bank
Last week, our Nablus team planned to visit the village of Senjil, near Ramallah, to provide free veterinary care for working horses and donkeys. Sadly, the entrance to the village was blocked and, due to violence in the area, it was too dangerous for the team to continue. With their safety in mind, they were forced to turn back and provide treatment elsewhere instead.
People and animals soon gathered to see Dr Rakan and Nour as they arrived in Senjil.
Although the visit had to be postponed, the animals of Senjil were never forgotten. As soon as it was safe to return, the team travelled back to the village to deliver the care they had originally planned. In this agricultural community, working horses and donkeys play a vital role, helping families plough fields, transport produce and earn a living.
Dr Rakan carefully cleans a donkey’s eye – working animals are vital to the community here in Senjil.
During the visit, the team carried out health checks on dozens of animals and provided a range of essential treatments. Horses and donkeys were dewormed, wounds were cleaned and dressed, painful skin conditions were treated and overgrown hooves were carefully trimmed. The team also rasped teeth to remove sharp edges that can make eating difficult and uncomfortable.
A young foal received a full health check up.
By relieving pain, treating disease and helping prevent future health problems, the team is supporting both working animals – and the communities that depend on them. It was a powerful reminder that while circumstances may sometimes delay our journeys, our commitment to working animals in the West Bank never changes.
Thank you ♥️♥️
Your support helps us fund our vet teams in Gaza, the West Bank, and Egypt, bringing vital veterinary treatment directly to working donkeys, mules and horses in desperate need. You are also caring for rescue donkeys at our sanctuaries in Israel and the West Bank, where they receive nutritious food, specialist care, and the safety of a forever home.
Thank you for caring for these gentle animals.
Thanks to your support our dedicated team were determined to reach Senjil. Here is just one of the donkey’s they helped – soon after the painful chains were contained within a soft padded cover.