SAVE HAVEN FOR DONKEYS IN THE HOLY LAND
By Claudette Vaughan
Safe Haven for Donkeys In The Holy Land (SHADH) is dedicated to caring for sick and neglected donkeys in the Holy Land. This is the only organisation in Israel and the Palestinian Territories to address an absolute need as donkeys have been used as beasts of burden in this area for the past 5000 years. SHADH has its own sanctuary and veterinary outreach service. They are totally reliant on public support and donations in order to survive. The Abolitionist spoke with Wendy Ahl recently from SHADH.
 Abolitionist: What does Safe Haven for Donkey's in the Holy Land actually do?
SHADH: Safe Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land is a British-registered charity nd is the only organisation caring for working and abandoned donkeys in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
Abolitionist: How did you get started and where are you at now?
SHADH: Lucy Fensom, a British woman, set up Safe Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land 7 years ago after seeing at first hand the plight of donkeys on both sides of the Palestinian border. Today, Lucy and her team run a thriving sanctuary near the Israeli town of Netanya, as well as providing free veterinary services to some of the many hundreds of working donkeys in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
Abolitionist: Why was SHADH originally formed?
SHADH: It seemed to Lucy Fensom that there was no refuge in Israel for donkeys, enslaved as beasts of burden, beaten, neglected, often tortured for fun by children, and finally left to die when they had outlived their usefulness. She became determined and totally committed to doing something to help them and so her dream of a charity to reach out to these humble beasts of burden was born.
Abolitionist: What are the qualities of the donkey.
SHADH: Donkeys are extremely loyal, hardy and tolerant of all they are asked to do. Because of this, they are often thought of as being "stupid" but latest research shows that they are actually the most intelligent of equines.
Abolitionist: Donkeys are the original "beasts of burdon". How are they used in Israel?
SHADH: Donkeys are still very much in use as beasts of burden in Israel and Palestine, particularly by those who are living below the poverty line and cannot afford mechanised transport. They are used for such tasks as bringing in crops from the fields and taking goods to the market to sell and their owners quite simply could not survive without them.
Abolitionist: Donkeys also have a spiritual significance. Do you think it’s because they are humble animals?
SHADH: Yes - all religions stress the importance of humility and the donkey is seen as one of the most humble animals in the world so we believe it is only right that they should play such an important role.
 Abolitionist: What educational programs has SHADH implemented?
SHADH: We are very much aware that in order to bring about long-term changes in attitudes towards the donkey, we need to educate the children of today who are after all the donkey owners of tomorrow. With that in mind, Safe Haven's outreach services also include programs of education on the welfare and needs of the donkey.
Abolitionist: How many donkeys does your sanctuary hold?
SHADH: Currently, 101 donkeys, 2 mules and 4 horses call Safe Haven their home. However, Lucy Fensom estimates that she could probably house 3 times that number in comfort.
Abolitionist: What are some of the stories about the donkeys from your sanctuary.
SHADH: There are so many sad stories connected with our donkeys - for example, Lily had been beaten and starved by her owners and then had her ears cut off "for fun". Jordy had been used in a political demonstration in Jericho. Bonnie and Clyde had been bound for the zoo to be served up as dinner for the lions before being rescued by the local council and sent to Safe Haven. However, there are also stories of hope - little Valentine, our latest arrival was born in February 2007 to Carla, heavily pregnant when rescued by Lucy and the team. Valentine will never know the pain and neglect that her mother has suffered and will live happily at Safe Haven with her friends for the rest of her life.
Abolitionist: How are you funded?
SHADH: Safe Haven receives no funds from the governments of the UK or Israel and relies entirely on the generosity of the public to be able to continue its much-needed services.
Abolitionist: How can people reading this help in any way?
SHADH: The most important way in which your readers can help is to support us by making a donation. These can be made online via our website - www.safehaven4donkeys.org
Of course we appreciate that not everyone is able to help in this way so donations of time are just as important - why not organise an event in your neighbourhood to raise funds or even consider volunteering at the sanctuary in Israel. Again, see www.safehaven4donkeys.org for more information.
www.safehaven4donkeys.org
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