Entertainer, psychic, Israeli peace maker and animal lover Uri Geller has just become a brand new Patron of Safe Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land (SHADH), the only charity caring for working and abandoned donkeys in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. World renowned psychic Geller was welcomed on board the SHADH Patron team by charity Founder, Lucy Fensom, Trustee, Nick Terry, Fundraising Manager, Wendy Ahl, and two local donkeys when all five visited Geller’s home in Sonning, Berkshire, UK in March 2006. En route from Hollywood, where she attended the Genesis Awards as a Guest of Honor, Fensom felt compelled to delay her return to the sanctuary in Israel so that she could personally meet and thank Geller for agreeing to take on the role.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for SHADH,” Fensom says. “Uri is such as well known man, with a fan base all over the globe. SHADH is a UK registered charity based in Israel. Uri is respected in Israel and the Palestinian Territories for his determination to promote peace in the region, as well as being hugely famous in the USA and Europe where we wish to initiate new support.”
Fensom set up SHADH in 2000 as a response to the huge number of maltreated and injured donkeys she encountered while travelling in Israel. Six years later, the rescue center near the Israeli town of Netanya houses 98 donkeys, 3 horses and numerous cats. SHADH’s outreach programme in local farms and villages is gathering momentum too. The Tayibe resting station, which opened in late July 2005, is proving hugely successful. Charity representatives are able to advise the local community on basic care issues, provide food, shelter and a quiet place to rest, as well as veterinary consultation. By sustaining the lives of Israeli and Palestinian donkeys, SHADH hopes to sustain the lives of the farmers and families that own them. SHADH is striving to create a better future for the animals and the people of the region.
This and other issues inspired Geller to take on such a vibrant role with the charity. “I am absolutely delighted to take on this role. I am an animal lover and I feel so strongly about the mistreatment of these creatures, particularly as this is taking place in the country in which I was born. Israel and the Palestinian Territories have huge issues to deal with. If I can help the plight of these poor defenceless animals by lending my name to SHADH’s Patronage, them I am happy and proud to do so.” Geller also donated more approximately $1500 US to help the donkeys of the area.
Safe Haven for Donkeys in the Holy Land is a registered charity. For further info about their work, visit www.safehaven4donkeys.org
Uri Geller is currently touring the UK, including shows in Worthing (Pavilion Theatre, 22nd April), Hertfordshire (6 Wyllyotts Centre, 18th May) and many many more. For further info, visit Uri’s website at www.uri-geller.com
For more info regarding SHADH and Geller, contact wendy@safehaven4donkeys.org