In Jnoub, Two Lebanese Men Risk Everything to Save Abandoned Animals
Amid violent bombings in Lebanon’s south, many animals, including pets, strays, and livestock, have been abandoned and left to fend for themselves. With nowhere else to turn, two Lebanese men, Houssein Hamze and Kassem Haidar, have stepped in, each running their own efforts to rescue and care for these animals.
1. Houssein Hamze
In Nabatieh, Houssein Hamze runs the Mashala Shelter caring for over 200 animals, from abandoned pets to strays. When the war forced many families to flee, he stayed behind, determined to care for the animals left behind.
Even after his own home was destroyed under airstrikes last year, he refused to leave, treating the animals as his own children and ensuring they had food, water, and safety in the midst of chaos.
There are several ways to support Houssein so he can continue his mission, including PayPal, FundAHope, and GoFundMe. Every donation helps provide food, medical care, and shelter for the animals relying on him.
For donation links, click here.
For cash donations:
Western Union and/or OMT:
Houssein Hamzeh
+961 78 872 507
Rinane Serrieh
+961 70010268
Whish and/or Taptap Send:
Houssein Hamzeh
+961 78 872 507
2. Kassem Haidar
Kassem Haidar has been taking his rescue efforts directly to the streets. He visited abandoned homes to save animals whose owners reached out for help. Today, he drives through multiple areas in Jnoub, leaving food for the animals left behind and tending to those that were severely injured.
Kassem vowed to treat and nurse all wounded animals back to health. You can read more about his rescue efforts back in 2024 here.
If you would like to support Kassem with his rescue efforts, you can donate via:
GoFundMe via this link
Cash donations via Whish, OMT, Western Union, Taptap Send, Money Gram, or Sendwave: Kassem Kamel Haidar (+961 71 897 769)
