Recapping our info session efforts thus far: one of our Apr 18 Iqraa fun runners, David, joined us, registering for the training program. Welcome to David! See you on May 9 for the first run at Peirce Mill.

We’re still recruiting for Iqraa!

  • The prerequisites are simple: a desire to run and caring about Palestine. It’s still a rare combo in our society—public opinion is not the same as action—but our group stands out because for Iqraa caring IS action.
  • Speaking of the info sessions, one answer for “Why Iqraa?” The Spirit of Volunteerism. 
  • It’s relevant in spades this week as Iqraa provides volunteer support Friday and Saturday for the Potomac River Race (Half and Marathon) on May 2.
  •   Volunteerism embodies more than helping. Fundamentally, it’s being the change you hope to see in the world (Gandhi). It’s the recognition that we can make a difference at the grass roots level—an arena within our reach–and we can teach that spirit to our youth and to others.
  • While we certainly must vote, donate, and advocate for the change we seek, we must also pitch in and put our shoulders to the wheel. Ma’an inshallah!
  • For their shoulders, we appreciate these Iqraa runners and volunteers committing their time across multiple efforts on Fri and Sat…at Lock 7: Cathy, Jo, Mazen, Norman; on Logistics: Bill, Dave, Kirk, Lorraine, Shobila; with Traffic Flow: Bilal, Khaled, Reza; and our Saturday reserve: Imad.

I encourage you all who care about Palestine to share the word: we’re looking for runners and volunteers for 2026.

  • Last year we provided a brighter Palestine through annual tuition for 36 Palestinian university students; this year we want to support 40 students.
  • Read more (and share) in our recent Washington Report article: Iqraa: Running for equality and education

Let’s come together and put our shoulders to the wheel.