Help the Forgotten Victims of War in Syria

I am fundraising for SARA- Syrian Association for Rescuing Animals as a part of the Amnesty Headshave at the United World College of the Atlantic. I will be shaving my head on the 26th of November, 2022 to raise funds to rescue the forgotten victims of war and cruelty in Syria: Stray Animals.

Beyond the civil war, which has been devastating lives of millions for eleven years, thousands of stray dogs and cats have been intentionally shot and poisoned by the government to ‘clean’ residential areas. This is the product of a deeply-rooted culture of animal cruelty in which burning kittens, crucifying cats, and smashing dogs with rocks is how some children spend their freetime.

Among the turmoil, SARA was born at the peak of the war in Damascus as a non-profit organization to save the stray dogs in danger in 2015. While people were fleeing the country, Annie Orfali, a Syrian woman, decided to stay in the warzone to save the voiceless souls that were buried under the debris and mercy of the merciless.

Now, SARA provides shelters for more than 5000 dogs and 800 cats, in addition to a number of birds and cattle that have been abused, injured, paralysed, disabled, and are in extreme need around the country. The activity of the association includes rescuing, feeding, spaying and neutering stray and abandoned animals. Moreover, SARA focuses on raising awareness, educating, and challenging the stereotypes of inhumanity. It aims to make changes to the current law to provide legal protection to animals, as opposed to the status quo. Recently, SARA has become and continues to be an official member of the OIPA, the international organization for rescuing animals as its efforts have been recognized globally.

My dog, Sheera, who was rescued by SARA with her 7 puppies from my neighbourhood in 2019 after my neighbors threatened to kill them

Due to the economical situation in Syria, SARA is running on very low means and in danger of closing as the limited funds are no longer able to sustain the high costs of the shelters. If so, thousands of stray dogs and cats will be returned to the streets where the guns and poison of the police will be mercilessly waiting for them.

Your donations will help keep a safe and warm home for the innocents who cannot speak for themselves and welcome those who are still suffering in the streets.

Due to the sanctions on Syria and the ban of donations, GoGetfunding does not provide the option of donating directly to the association. Furthermore, managers of the association, residing in Syria, cannot receive funds as PayPal is also banned and Syrian banks are not recognized by the website. Alternatively, and after discussing the issue with Annie Orfali, we decided to raise the funds to my account in the United Kingdom by which I can transfer the money via international bank transfers to the organization in Syria.

Help saving the forgotten victims of war in Syria, help speaking up for the voiceless who are dying alone under the debris unable to ask for help

Be their voice!

If you would like to donate to Annie Orfali directly, you can reach out here: [email protected]

Or on the Facebook page; Syrian Association for Rescuing Animals