First, let’s thank Basel for hosting last Saturday’s run. Nick called it one of the best training-run brunches he’s had. Alf shukr wa shukr! (1001 thanks!)

Appreciation also for those who’ve created your fundraising pages. And I know several of you are drafting your letters too. Here’s the link for those who need to make a page and those who want to contribute:

https://act.upaconnect.org/campaign/support-team-iqraa-2025/c666007

Listen, I know that fundraising isn’t anyone’s favorite activity, and I understand that some feel there’s an ‘ayb (shame) in asking anyone for anything.

But let’s take a look around… there’s a genocide in Gaza that includes the destruction of virtually all educational infrastructure. Here in America, there’s suppression against those who speak out for Palestinian equality.  

These injustices cannot stand! …But injustice won’t just collapse and go away. Only action will bring change. “If not us, who? If not now, when?” (Rabbi Hillel; born in Babylonia, now Iraq, 1st century BCE)

Remember this, friends: we’re not asking anyone to help US.

We’re asking people to help provide Palestinians with an education because in doing so we’re asserting the equal right of Palestinians to be educated.  And we’re not going to stop. Education toward liberation!

Here’s the potential—and the power when we act—of our outreach:

  • Americans—our potential sponsors—need to know what’s happening in Palestine
  • Americans—our potential helpers—need to know what they can do
  • Palestine is not going to brighten itself: we’re running for a brighter Palestine. That’s an active verb, a transitive action
  • Education isn’t free but we can help provide it to those who might never afford it through our fundraising efforts
  • Palestinians are alone unless we help them. I know you all want to help. Don’t let yourself be restrained by inhibition about asking.

Last week/this week. Last Saturday at Columbia Island, Basel hosted and Cathy, Reza, and Imad (not pictured) ran while I walked. This Saturday, we’re running in Reston; 12 miles for marathoners and 8 miles for half-marathoners.

Running toward a future bright with a liberated Palestine and a truly equal America.