Starting Over Sanctuary

The association was established in 2017 after Sharon, the founder, was exposed to the harsh reality of Israel's donkeys. The rescued animals have all been abused or neglected, the donkeys and horses are mostly rescued after years of hard labor. The association is located in Moshav Herut and operates on an area of 48 dunams. Today we are the largest shelter in Israel, and one of the largest in the world. So far, we have managed to rescue and rehabilitate over 2,000 donkeys, as well as thousands of other animals. In 2022, the organization embarked on a first-of-its-kind project in the world, in which more than 600 donkeys were flown to wonderful shelters in Europe, to a life of freedom of hundreds of dunams, and there they receive the best care possible! Due to the war, we were unable to fly any more donkeys, but in 2025 the project was renewed! This is the only way we will be able to free up space and budget for other donkeys who are still living under a violent and bitter reality. The association has a certificate of proper management, section 46 of the tax credit, and all other required approvals. Through the donation at JGIVE, there is also a US tax credit with the Asor Fund. About our Educational Center: The sanctuary operates an educational center with the approval of the Ministry of Education, educating to see everyone as equal, non-violence and respect for all forms of life wherever they are. The center receives tours of educational institutes, schools, and kindergartens from all sectors, families, boarding schools for at-risk youth and girls, and recently also host touring and volunteering days as part of a program of mutual rehabilitation for the families of the victims of October 7, evacuated families, mentally exhausted soldiers as part of the Ministry of Defense’s approved program, and much more... The Activities for the Donkeys of Israel: First of all, it is important to note that the activity on behalf of Israel's donkeys is not a bottomless pit. Today, the authorities estimate that fewer than 1,000 donkeys remain in Israel, including in the occupied territories, as a result of our activities since the establishment of the association, and the prevention of their breeding outside the sanctuary. Our goal is to rescue all the remaining donkeys, to fly most of the donkeys to Europe who will be able to make the flight safely, and to create a stable herd of donkeys in the shelter in conditions of freedom and space. The Animals in our Care Today: The association currently has over 1600 animals, we focus mainly on donkeys and horses, but we also operate the cats of 300 cats and find homes for an average of 150 of them per year. We also rescue and mentally and physically rehabilitate dogs that are kept outside the association in private pensions that include training, rehabilitation and preparation for the home until adoption. Our Current Situation: Following the doubling of the number of animals in our sanctuary, we are working on expanding the living areas in Moshav Herut, in order to prevent overcrowding and maintain a good quality of life. The cost of ongoing maintenance reaches hundreds of thousands of shekels a month, which is funded by the general public alone! The cost of food alone reaches 300,000 NIS (~82K $) per month. The monthly donations help us to conduct ourselves in a more calculated and correct manner, only this way will we succeed in creating financial security for the association. Every donation helps, highly appreciated and saves lives. Thank you on behalf of the Starting Over Sanctuary residents, volunteers and staff.