Article written by Marianne Miltenburg
The West Bank is marked by severe instability, military rule, and daily violence, making everyday life extremely dangerous. Despite this, Mohammad, our veterinarian in Jenin, strives to make it a more compassionate place for both people and animals.
Roots and Passion
Mohammad Abualrob was born in Jenin and grew up in a Palestinian farming family deeply connected to the land. His father worked hard as a farmer, and Mohammad spent his days observing and caring for sheep, birds, rabbits, dogs, and cats. Growing up surrounded by nature and animals deepened his love and passion for them and gave him an early understanding of their suffering. This realization — that animals suffer and that people can make a difference — became the driving force behind his decision to study veterinary medicine.
Professional Journey and Challenges
Mohammad is now a fifth-year veterinary student at An-Najah National University. Last March, he founded our emergency animal clinic in Jenin. The clinic began in a small space that was offered free of charge, but due to the escalation of military operations and raids by the Israeli army, the location became extremely dangerous. Today, Mohammad has moved all essential equipment for the Animal Heroes emergency clinic to his home, where he treats injured and sick animals.
Supporting Farmers and the Vulnerable
Mohammad’s role goes beyond treating stray animals. He also supports humble Palestinian farmers who depend on their livestock as their only source of income. These farmers face severe economic hardship and struggle to meet their basic needs. In Mohammad and his clinic, they find a lifeline, as they often cannot afford treatment. Mohammad provides them with medical care and expertise, understanding that saving an animal for a poor farmer can mean saving an entire family.
Scope of Care
Most of the animals treated are strays, while others belong to families who cannot afford veterinary care. His patients include wild birds, turtles, rabbits, chickens, horses, donkeys, and even camels, all under the medical supervision of the team at the Joyce Hofman Clinic in Amsterdam.
Needs and Challenges of the Clinic
Despite his determination and courage, the clinic faces major logistical and technical challenges. There is an urgent need for advanced veterinary equipment to diagnose complex cases and perform precise surgeries. The lack of such equipment makes fieldwork under wartime conditions and daily military operations extremely difficult and limits the ability to save more lives of animals suffering in silence.
We are incredibly proud of Mohammad, a sincere and courageous colleague who dedicates his life to saving lives while taking daily risks because of the ongoing military operations in cities and refugee camps. His dedication to the mission of Animal Heroes represents hope in the midst of suffering and serves as a call to everyone who believes in these animals’ right to care and life.
If you would like to support the work of Dr. Mohammad in the Westbank, please click here
