There are just a few pieces to this week’s move to action: a poem, an outreach template, and Nelson Mandela…

This poem was displayed by a Palestinian street vendor outside Nabiha, the restaurant we enjoyed after our visit to the Museum of the Palestinian People on Aug 23. The poem wasn’t displayed with an author’s name and we didn’t get the name of the vendor, though he did tell Bilal he sends money to a Gaza family…

Dreams

He lost his arms in the first strike,

and in the second, he died dreaming of an embrace.

A child who believes that dreams come true

and that mothers never lie.

Turning to our outreach, we’ve already raised over $23,000 for university scholarships for Palestinians and several runners are still sorting out how to tackle our fundraising responsibility. To help, we’re sharing fundraising templates in some messages; this one is my 2nd fundraising letter this year, which I typically send during the week before my race…

Dear Iqraa friends,

I’m excited—and a little anxious—as I anticipate my return to racing for the first time since Oct 7, 2023 (photo). I‘m participating in the Waterman’s triathlon at Rock Hall MD tomorrow, Sept 28.

  • This’ll be my first race since my hamstring injury was diagnosed in July 2024; my first race at Rock Hall too. The swim leg will be in the Chesapeake, and my primary anxiety is over the water temperature; I hope it’s warm enough that I won’t regret not having a wetsuit.

Mostly, though, I’m happy to be able to participate in a race again. I’m not a big racer, and certainly not fast. But the ability to compete is an important reflection of my commitment to supporting education for Palestinians. Since I founded Iqraa in 2008, the race—and the training that goes into it–is what I highlight to say, “Friends, this cause is serious and close to my heart; I hope you’ll support me.”

  • Last year was the first in which I couldn’t race. You supported me despite that and I know you share my commitment: Palestinians are equally deserving of every human right and liberty that we cherish.
  • Our support for those basic rights is powerful, as by providing university scholarships every year we demonstrate our belief in their rightness and universality.
  • A return to racing has been my goal for more than a year and I’m happy anticipating it: athletes gathering at the start, silence during and cheers following the National Anthem, pulsing music for the send-off, even inshallah the bracing cold of the plunge into the Bay.    

Iqraa’s partner for our fundraising efforts is United Palestinian Appeal, a 501(c)3 charitable organization founded in 1978 that’s earned the maximum 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. To help us provide more educational opportunities in Palestine and Jordan, you can give online at my Iqraa page or write a check payable to United Palestinian Appeal (UPA) with Iqraa/Kirk in the Memo line and send it to me or to UPA at 1330 New Hampshire Ave NW (Suite 104), Washington DC 20036.

Iqraa’s slogan is “Running for a brighter Palestine,” and I thank you for contributing to the brightness. 

And thanks again to all who’ve already contributed!

—-End—

Last week/this week. Last Saturday at Reston, Basma, Basel, Bill, Reza, and me, and (not pictured) Mazen and Peter, ran or walked for a brighter Palestine. This Saturday at Carderock, the marathon trainees will run 20 miles, while half-marathoners will run 4.

Friends, it’s time to move to action so together we can make education more available for Palestinians. There’s no better call to action than this, from a great freedom fighter–Nelson Mandela:

  •     “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”