Rashid Anbar is using rescued abandoned pets from the streets of Gaza to provide animal therapy for displaced Palestinian children [1].
The program addresses the psychological toll of war by offering a sense of normalcy and joy to children who have lost their homes. Because children in conflict zones often face severe trauma, such interventions provide a non-verbal method of emotional release and comfort.
Anbar began the initiative in 2024 during the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip [2]. He identifies stray animals that can be safely integrated into a therapy environment and brings them to children who are displaced [1]. The process involves rescuing pets that were left behind or abandoned during the fighting, creating a dual benefit for both the animals and the youth.
The therapy sessions focus on providing emotional support to children who have experienced significant loss [3]. By interacting with the animals, children can find a temporary escape from the stress of their surroundings. The program aims to foster a feeling of safety and companionship in an environment defined by instability [1].
Animal-assisted therapy is often used globally to treat post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. In Gaza, the availability of formal mental health resources is limited, making grassroots efforts like Anbar's critical for the well-being of the youngest populations [3]. The use of local rescue animals ensures that the program remains sustainable and accessible within the region [1].
“Rashid Anbar is using rescued abandoned pets from the streets of Gaza to provide animal therapy.”
This initiative highlights the use of low-cost, grassroots psychological interventions in high-conflict zones. By combining animal rescue with pediatric trauma support, the program addresses two crises simultaneously—animal welfare and childhood mental health—while filling a gap in formal medical infrastructure during wartime.
