Boycotts. Marches. Debates. Social media. There are many ways to show solidarity with the people of Palestine as they risk being wiped out. But Johannesburg resident and life coach Ml Iqbal Adam has a different idea: to cycle in solidarity.
“There are walks that are taking place; people are protesting, going out there, walking [and] running. I decided to come up with something totally different and that is a cycle event,” he said, in an interview on Salaamedia.
“This could get cyclers [sic] on this journey of supporting the people of Palestine.”
SMread: Apartheid Israel’s brutal displacement and occupation of the West Bank
Cycle in solidarity
Cyclists are invited to ride from the FNB Stadium to SPAR, Ormonde, at 08:30 a.m. on 2 December. With a R300 fee, the 5km ride is intended to raise funds for humanitarian efforts in the besieged Gaza Strip and elsewhere in Palestine.
“The cycling event was something that I felt [was] something different, something that could work, instead of just walking and running. The proceeds will go to the Gift of the Givers. Every cyclist will be given account details of the Gift of the Givers and they will then forward the money to the people of Palestine,” said Adam.
Apartheid Israel’s relentless sea, air and land attacks on the densely populated enclave have killed more than 11 300 people since 7 October, the majority of them women and children.
“Come and cycle for the people of Palestine … I urge all the youth and cyclists to come and take this challenge and be part of this lovely day,” he urged.
Enthusiastic cyclists or casual riders who are interested in participating may contact Naeemah on 064 135 7536. The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and paramedics will be on standby, he said.
