Hi All!

Thanks for visiting our fundraising page.  We, Mariam Iqbal, Lotty Brouwer, and Carolina Llamusi-Silbermann are going on a Peace Cycle!

The Peace Cycle is a non-profit organisation that is run entirely by volunteers in their spare time. To date they have organised two international cycle rides from London to Jerusalem in 2004 and 2006. In 2008 they had a ride from Amman to Jerusalem that raised over £10,000 for Medical Aid for Palestinians.  This year they're cycling from the International Courts of Justice in the Hague to the European Parliment in Brussels to hand in a petition that calls for the end of EU-Israel Association Agreement. 

The Peace Cycle 2009 will begin on the 28th March outside the International Court of Justice in the Hague. We will cycle more than 165km over two days, passing through Rotterdam and Antwerp and ending in Brussels. We plan to raise awareness of the effects of the Israeli occupation on the lives of Palestinian civilians. We will be joined by other European NGOs and individuals who share the aims of “ending the cycle of violence and joining the cycle for peace.”

Upon reaching Brussels we have been invited to give a presentation to MEPs at the European Parliament of their experiences in Israel and in the West Bank. We will also hand-deliver our petition, calling for a suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement on human rights grounds which you can read and sign at:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/Suspend-EU-Israel-Trade-Agreement

Check out the Peace Cycle website: www.thepeacecycle.com

Currently studying at Kent University, we feel it's our responsibility to raise awareness on the ongoing crisis in Palestine.  Through the Peace Cycle we hope Europe will take a stand against injustice and pressure Israel to end their brutal occupation, and abide by International Law and the basic principles of human rights.

The charity we've chosen is Interpal, a non-political, non-profit making British charity that works with international funding partners and partners on the ground to provide relief and development aid to Palestinians in need, mainly in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and the refugee camps in Lebanon and Jordan.

Interpal seeks to help Palestinians overcome the harsh conditions they face resulting from over 60 years of suffering and occupation by:

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Palestinians Relief and Development Fund gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Please get involved and help us fight for justice in Palestine.

In solidarity,

Mariam, Lotty, and Carolina

So please sponsor us now!