Following news of the upcoming ceasefire in Gaza, due to commence on Sunday, our team were contacted by the humanitarian organisation Red Crescent. They organise aid going into Gaza and were able to confirm our shipment of 4 tonnes of animal feed will be one of the first to cross the border from Egypt.
We anticipate this will arrive by March, if not before. We will bring you news as soon as we can – this will be much-needed support that you have helped to fund.
I would also like to share a reminder of all the other amazing work you’ve made possible in 2024. It’s wonderful to see our teams going from strength to strength and helping so many more donkeys – but we couldn’t do it without you.

Our work in 2024
During 2024 we continued to run our three mobile teams out in the West Bank. Despite having to contend with roadblocks and limitations on movement, our teams were able to help thousands of working donkeys in need.
The teams in the West Bank visit a range of working animals – from shepherd donkeys to builder donkeys, as well as other working donkeys at refugee camps and animal markets.
As well as treating wounds, our team undertake education activities – handing out educational donkey booklets and toys to the children they meet.
Dr Rakan teaches two young boys about donkey care and welfare.
Over in Egypt, we have recently introduced a new mobile vet team, working in the brick kilns of El Saf. Having two mobile teams has helped to increase our work in the region – including visiting some donkeys in surrounding villages.
Our work in Egypt continues to grow with the introduction of a second mobile vet team.
In Israel and the West Bank we now have two sanctuaries – our main sanctuary in Gan Yoshiya and our rescue centre in Arrana.
Our sanctuary donkeys are kept entertained with enrichment toys like this ball!
Some of the donkeys at our rescue centre in Arrana had the toughest lives before they arrived at Safe Haven – donkeys like Rakan, who had to have an ear amputated due to severe burns. He’s now happy and healthy, living in his forever home.
Rakan the donkey is now living his best life in his forever home.
In Gaza, the conditions couldn’t be tougher. Our mobile team risk their lives on an almost daily basis, providing treatment to donkey, mules, horses and other animals – we never turn away an animal in need of first aid.
Our team in Gaza work in extremely challenging conditions – providing first aid to animals in need.
We’d like to close our post today with a message from Dr Saif, shared yesterday via WhatsApp:
“This ceasefire will allow us to resume our mission of treating animals in different locations, safely. It will enable us to reach and care for vulnerable animals in remote areas that have been impossible to reach. Thank you to everyone for your kindness and ongoing support.”
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. If you’d like to read previous updates of our work, please click here to visit out blog.
Our mobile teams work tirelessly to help donkeys, mules and horses in need.