I wanted to say another heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported our recent Gaza appeal – and to everyone who gives so generously each month. Your donations are helping Dr Saif and his team continue their work, despite the unimaginable hardships they are facing.
Because of you, our mobile team can stay on the road, providing urgent first aid where it is needed most. Today, I’d like to share two stories that show just how vital your support is right now. Everything we do is only possible thanks to you.
Dr Saif’s diary from Gaza
Saturday 27th September
This morning I met Ali, a nine-year-old boy who has already lost his father and five siblings. Only his mother, little sister – and their donkey – remain. The donkey is their lifeline. She provides the only source of income left to the family.
But today she was weak and not eating. Ali’s mother, Riham, pleaded with me: “I got your number from a woman whose donkey you have treated in Khan Yunis. She said you offer free veterinary care to help families like ours. Our donkey has stopped eating, she has no strength and is injured. We depend on her not just to carry us and our belongings, but to earn money and feed us. Please can you help?”
Our Gaza team were able to treat Ali’s donkey – to provide much-needed first aid.
We provided first aid to the donkey, treating her wound carefully and giving her medicine. Slowly, she began to eat again. By the time we left, her steps were stronger, her eyes brighter.
Ali smiled as he stroked her neck. That donkey is more than an animal: she is carrying an entire family’s survival.
Ali (right of photo) looks on as the team check his donkey – now back to full health.
2nd October
The other week we received another desperate call: “My donkey… it was carrying people from the aid point when a stray bullet hit him. He’s bleeding, suffering… please, he’s all we have left.”
When we arrived, the donkey lay trembling, dust clinging to its blood-matted leg. The wound was terrible. Now our clinic has gone, we have no surgical equipment – only our determination not to give up.
Our team are working in the toughest of conditions – but they are still able to perform miracles.
We cleaned away the shrapnel and applied antiseptic. We stemmed the bleeding with gauze. We built a splint from wooden planks, an iron bar, and strips of cloth. Crude, yes, but it held. The donkey lifted his head. His breathing eased, while his owner, Isaac, wept with relief.
We will now visit regularly, checking the splint, watching for signs of healing. We’re pleased to say that each step is steadier than the last.
There is still hope in Gaza through these small wins we see every day during our work to help equines in need.
The donkey is doing well – and we will continue to provide check ups to monitor his progress.
Thank you ♥️♥️
Because of you, our vet team is bringing urgent care to donkeys, mules and horses in Gaza. Your generosity also supports our mobile vet teams across the West Bank and Egypt, and ensures the rescued donkeys in our sanctuaries in Israel and the West Bank receive the daily care they deserve.
None of this would be possible without you.
Ali’s donkey is just one example of how your support is making a difference every day.