Why we ride in 2022
Israeli Apartheid and Children
The recent publication by Amnesty of their report on 'Israel's Apartheid against Palestinians' makes it clear how gravely unjust the treatment of Palestinians by the state of Israel is.
This report follows reports reaching the same conclusion by Human Rights watch and B'tselem
The Amnesty report should have caused public outrage but it has not received the publicity due to it. This makes it all the more important that opponents of Israel's apartheid against Palestinians do everything we can to express our solidarity against such injustice.
The Big Ride raises awareness of the human rights issues in Palestine with a particular focus on the trauma experienced by children.
The Amnesty report is eloquent and detailed on the impact on children - as is our report on 'Israeli Apartheid and The Big Ride for Palestine' available here. In the report we describe the unequal access to basic essentials like water, electricity and education as well as highlighting the shocking military detention of children.
Watch the video accompanying our report on
Israeli Apartheid
Fundraising in 2022
This year we are having two fundraisers as we did last year. We will be fundraising again with our long term partner MECA - Middle East Children's Alliance. This year our additional fundraiser is for the Gaza Sunbirds, teaming up with Amos Trust.
Both of the fundraisers are set up through JustGiving. You can set up a fundraising page for either or both of our projects this year - you can also donate to a team member in either fundraiser. If you're not sure who to donate to - just donate to The Big Ride for Palestine which is a member of both teams.
See our FAQ's on how to set up your JustGiving page in the Big Ride team.
West Bank
We are working with MECA on a project to create a cycling path from a village in the Northern West Bank to a nearby hillside ending with a recreation area for families. This hill is owned by families in the village but is under threat of confiscation and The Big Ride project will be part of their plan to protect the land by using it regularly. They are in a difficult area with illegal Israeli settlements encroaching but they are determined to stay on their land. Now more than ever they need our support as these settler attacks escalate!
Gaza
The Big Ride continues their support for MECA in Gaza who are organising a sports and social project for children, youth and women with the aim of improving their mental and physical health. The cycling and sports will be in combination with leadership development and psychosocial support. By working with the community in Beit Hanoun MECA hope to support them and alleviate some of the suffering.
This year The Big Ride has been working closely with Amos Trust, our long time supporters. Amos Trust are very committed to Palestine Justice and are actively supporting the Gaza Sunbirds, working with Alaa al-Dali, the cyclist featured in Cycling Under Siege in Gaza.
The original Gaza Sunbird, Alaa was an Olympic hopeful cyclist when his leg was shot to pieces by an Israeli sniper on 30 March 2018. He was standing alone in his cycling gear, with his bike, as he watched a March of Return demonstration, 250 metres from the separation fence east of Rafah.
Alaa has made a good recovery and has channelled his energies into establishing an amputee cycling team within Gaza — called the Gaza Sunbirds. Alaa’s dream is to take the whole team to France to take part in the 2024 Paralympics and we would like to help make that dream a reality.
MECA project 2021 Beit-Lahia, Gaza
Great progress has been made on the Tadamon (Solidarity) Sports Field and Cycling track for the Beit-Lahia Youth Club and Association Centre. The track and sports field are very well used for cycling, sports and games and are becoming a community hub.
One of this years projects, which is being built but was on hold during the olive harvest, is a cycle path which has the added purpose of using and safeguarding Palestinian land. Funds from 2021 and 2022 are already being used for a project for psycho-social support that encourages people to come and use the space for sports and also for supporting the community for general wellbeing.
Plaque and photos celebrating the opening of the Tadamon sports field and cycling track
The Big Ride 2022 has happened - what we did!
Thursday 28 July
Derby
160 of us attended a wonderful pre ride reception organised by Derby IWA.
Friday 29 July
Derby - Stoke
The next day, 220 of us left Derby and rode to Stoke via Hilton and Doveridge, briefly joining a protest outside the JCB Golf course where the 'Legends' tournament was taking place.
We chanted and sang for Palestine before riding on and received a wonderful welcome in Hanley Park, Stoke followed by a magnificent evening meal in the Equality Hall organised by our supporters at City Central Mosque
Saturday 30 July
Stoke - Manchester
250 of us left Stoke - after all being given breakfast in the Equality hall and receiving a fantastic send off from the City Central Mosque. We cycled along beautiful cycleways calling at Congleton, Gawsworth and Higher Poynton to Manchester. Then we went to the Klondyke Club for the
Big Gig for Palestine
featuring Gazelleband, Mo’min Swaitat of The Majazz Project.
Sunday 31 July:
Manchester Ride
250+ of us took part in the solidarity ride round Manchester ending in a rousing final rally in Platt Fields Park
2022 Photo Gallery
Raising Solidarity with Palestine In Unions & Organisations
Last year our riders raised our solidarity resolution in their unions, community groups and party wards. The resolution gives us the opportunity to raise the issue of Palestine with the organisations we are involved in as well as raising funds to support low income riders and help fund The Big Ride's expenses. Click here to download the resolution. Amend it as you need to and please let us know how you get on.
