There is one character in the biblical Christmas story about the Birth of Jesus that is pivotal, yet often forgotten: the donkey. A little donkey who carried The Virgin Mary to Bethlehem, where she gave birth to baby Jesus in a stable.
So it is fitting that we share the story of a modern-day donkey on Christmas Day and her pivotal role in ensuring the safe arrival of a newborn baby in Gaza recently.
Fatima, a 20-year-old grey jenny, came to the rescue of heavily pregnant Alaa Nafeez Fysefs when she went into labour while at home in a village to the east of the city of Khan Yunis.
The surrounding roads have been destroyed by the Israel-Hamas war, and so an ambulance or car was unable to make the journey to the hospital. Alaa’s only hope was Fatima, a working donkey who had recently been treated by a team who are supported and financed by the British charity Safe Haven for Donkeys.
Donkeys have become a primary method of transporting people in Gaza because, as well as the roads being ruined, fuel is scarce and many cars, vans and trucks have been damaged during the war.
Community support
Alaa’s husband was with his ill elderly father in hospital and so he called a friend, Mohammed Saif, to help.
Mohammed got in touch with his brother, Dr Shehda Saif, who leads the Safe Haven for Donkeys team in Gaza. Dr Saif suggested Mohammed contacted Fatima’s owner, Saeed. Fatima had recently been treated by the charity’s team for saddle sores.
Saeed was happy to offer Fatima’s assistance, but could not accompany the donkey as he was in the process of building a tent for his family. It was agreed that Mohammed would escort Alaa and Fatima the eight kilometres to Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, which is one of the largest hospitals in the Gaza Strip.
The journey was long, tiring and dangerous, and Alaa’s contractions became stronger as they got closer to the hospital.
A safe arrival
The medical staff were quick to assist Alaa when she arrived at the hospital and an hour later, Alaa’s daughter, Nur Mohammed Al-rqyp, was born safe and well.
Mohammed and Fatima waited outside the hospital for around three hours for Alaa and Nur to be discharged. The donkey then carried the mother and her newborn baby safely back home.
We’re told that mother, baby, and Fatima the donkey are doing well after their long journey. A happy ending for Christmas.
About the charity
Safe haven for Donkeys is a British charity that cares for working and abandoned donkeys in Israel, the Palestinian Territories, Egypt, and Gaza. They welcome donations to support their work this Christmas — as little as £3 can feed one of their rescued donkeys, while £5 can fund veterinary treatment and £10 will support the mobile veterinary team continue its important work.
In Gaza, the charity’s efforts are led by Dr Saif, who, alongside his team, have treated around 1,000 injured donkeys, including Fatima, since April.
Find out more and donate to Safe Haven for Donkeys here.
Main image © Shutterstock; inset © Safe Haven for Donkeys
