(JTA) — Jon Stewart is opening a sanctuary for abused farm animals in New Jersey.

The former host of “The Daily Show” and his wife, Tracey, made the announcement on Saturday at a fundraiser for Farm Sanctuary, which provides shelter to animals rescued from factory farms, Agence France-Press reported.

“I’m a little uncomfortable,” Stewart said at the New York event. “I’ve spent the last 20 years immersed in the world of Washington politics and the media landscape, so I don’t know how to deal necessarily with people who have empathy.”

The sanctuary and educational center will be created on a farm purchased by the family.

Stewart frequently raised the topic of animal welfare on his show.

Tracey Stewart, a longtime animal advocate, recently published “Do Unto Animals,” a book that contains animal rescue stories.

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