Nan Goldin Sells Photography Prints to Support Animal Hospital in Gaza
Title: Art for a Cause: Nan Goldin’s Print Sale to Support Gaza’s Sole Animal Shelter
Internationally renowned artist and activist Nan Goldin has launched a compelling campaign to raise funds for Sulala Animal Rescue, Gaza’s only animal shelter and veterinary clinic. Through a collaboration with the nonprofit fundraising platform Pictures for Purpose, Goldin is using her artistic platform to support animals and people affected by the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The Initiative: Pictures with a Purpose
Goldin is offering three of her photographic prints for sale, featuring scenes from her travels through London, Paris, and Mexico City. Each print is signed and priced between €185 to €230 (approximately $210–$262), with 65% of the proceeds—after covering production and transaction costs—donated directly to Sulala Animal Rescue.
“Sulala’s compassion is endless for the animals — the innocent victims of man’s folly,” said Goldin, underlining both her support and admiration for the rescue’s work amidst the ongoing conflict in Palestine.
Meet Sulala Animal Rescue
Founded in 2006 by Palestinian animal advocate Saeed Al-Err, Sulala Animal Rescue stands as a beacon of hope in the war-torn region. Faced with a rising number of stray and injured animals at risk of culling, Al-Err sold his personal car to fund early rescue efforts. He later earned animal care credentials in Russia and established a proper shelter and clinic in Gaza City, serving not only common household pets like cats and dogs, but also donkeys and other animals.
Despite persistent violence, Israeli-imposed border restrictions, and economic sanctions, the shelter has managed to continue its services largely through personal sacrifice, assistance from family, and a network of volunteers.
Innovation in Adversity
Gaza’s blockade has made importing medical supplies, specialized animal care equipment, and prosthetics nearly impossible. Yet, Sulala has harnessed creative thinking to address these constraints. Volunteers repurpose children’s broken bicycles and toy cars into makeshift mobility aids for paralyzed or amputee animals—solutions born out of both necessity and compassion.
Al-Err’s team has also focused on education by opening a school to teach children about humane animal treatment, aiming to cultivate a culture of empathy amid the chaos of conflict.
The War’s Toll on Animals
Since the onset of escalated violence following the October 7, 2023, attacks, Sulala Animal Rescue has faced heightened challenges. The shelter has been forced to evacuate repeatedly, relocating animals across various makeshift sites to keep them safe. In addition to treating wounded and abandoned pets, the group actively supports displaced families by distributing food, water, and medicine to those traveling with their animals.
Goldin shared how deeply the determination of Al-Err and his sons resonates with her: “My greatest pride and joy is to be a small part of the Sulala family. I pray they will be able to continue their important work.”
International Hurdles
Despite its lifesaving role, Sulala Animal Rescue has recently been hit with another blow: its GoFundMe account was suspended, and thousands in crowdfunding donations were returned, threatening critical funding streams. Yet even this setback hasn’t deterred their mission.
Goldin’s fundraising initiative hopes to close that gap while raising international visibility for their cause. By purchasing a print, donors aren’t just acquiring art—they’re delivering tangible aid to a grassroots organization fighting to protect Gaza’s voiceless victims.
A Broader Movement
Goldin’s campaign is more than an artistic endeavor—it’s a form of activism. Over the past 18 months, she has consistently spoken out in support of Palestinian rights and participated in pro-Gaza protests. Through projects like these, she leverages art’s emotional power to galvanize attention toward humanitarian issues, using her platform to evoke both empathy and action.
How You Can Help
Those wishing to support Sulala Animal Rescue can purchase a print directly via the Pictures for Purpose website. Alternatively, they can follow the group’s work on Instagram and seek other ways to donate—especially given the shelter’s precarious financial situation following its GoFundMe removal.
As war continues to cause untold hardship across Gaza, organizations like Sulala Animal Rescue offer a reminder of the enduring power of compassion. Thanks to initiatives like Goldin’s, their important work has a better chance to survive—and so do the many animals and families who depend on them.
For more information or to purchase a print, visit: https://picturesforpurpose.org
And to follow Sulala Animal Rescue’s daily updates:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sulalaanimalrescue/