Forty-three people took part in the Big Ride for Palestine this year from September 2-17. During that time they walked or rode nearly 5000km and raised more than $7000 for Union Aid Abroad’s Palestinian projects.
Participants at the launch of the Big Ride for Palestine in Brisbane. Photo: Lachlan Hurse.
As well as providing practical solidarity, the Big Ride for Palestine is designed to bring attention to the human rights abuses endured by the Palestinian people, the brutal military occupation of Gaza and the West Bank (including East Jerusalem), and Israel’s continued violation of international law.
People from around Australia took part. In Queensland, The Services Union team, known as the Callipygian Comrades, again entered the Big Ride for Palestine to show their support for APHEDA projects in the West Bank, Gaza and Lebanon. Team member Michelle Robertson, who is also a Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA board member, said: “Our union thinks that a demonstration of international solidarity is important. It’s all too easy to think only in local issues but as trade unionists, we are part of a much bigger picture.”
In Brisbane, a group of riders got together for a launch event on September 2. Ian Curr reported that: “The annual Big Ride for Palestine commenced at the Baladi coffee cart. Riders set out to do a half river loop a little after 8:30am and returned to the Palestine Fair Trade tent after a tour of the Brisbane River and environs. After morning coffee, Omar Ashour and Lachlan Hurse outlined the purpose of the Big Ride to foster good relations among supporters of Palestinians in their struggle to return to their homelands.”
Watch a video of the Brisbane launch here.
A finale event will be held in Brisbane on Sunday, October 1. Starting at 8am with a ride, followed by a ceremony at 10am at 237 Brisbane Corso, Yeronga.