I am running for co-existence to support the Abraham Fund - the incredible, issue-leading charity that works towards co-existence between Jews and Arabs in Israel.

 

In my running career:

• I successfully dodged several school runs, as an overweight and asthmatic teenager.
• I then lost about 2 stone, as only a fifteen-year-old can.
• (True story) – On my first sponsored run, I was announced on the BBC as the winner of the Under-14 Girls Junior London Marathon (rather than the loser of the Under-16 Boys). I had been wearing the wrong T-shirt. It was the proudest moment of my life.
• And now, panicking about turning 30, I am launching into a half-marathon, the furthest and most difficult run I will ever have done.

As for the fundraising pitch, instead of a long statement of how awesome the Abraham Fund is, I have assembled quotes from an entire make-believe fundraising team:

 

[Sound-bite Politician] “The Abraham Fund’s work on the ground is making Israeli society stronger, more just, and more peaceful. That’s why I am supporting it, by sponsoring Laurie’s 13 mile run.”

 

[Un-switch-off-able Barrister] “Further, your money will help pay for teaching Arabic language and culture in Jewish schools, alternatively Hebrew language and culture in Arab schools.”

 

[PhD student] “There are statistically significant results in respect of recent programmes. For example, the “Sharikat Haya” programme, which trains and mentors Arab women to help them enter the workplace, led to nearly 70% of its approx 175 graduates from the year 2012 being employed as a result of their participation in Sharikat Haya. The programme is now expanding to reach over 1,200 Arab women.”

 

[Still a Youth Leader] “Yeah guys, so the Israeli Declaration of Independence says that the state “will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex”. So that’s what the Abraham Fund is doing. Innit.”

 

[Rabbi] “There is no greater mitzvah in the Torah than loving your neighbour. And there is a negative commandment too – “Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.” Whether you see Arab citizens of Israel as your neighbours or as strangers, it is our duty to work with them, together, to build a just and fair society in Israel.”

 

That’s all from the team – any support will be hugely appreciated!

 

PS - Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.