Story
I am participating in the Studio 70 x Form 12 Hour Yoga Marathon for Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP).
As of August 15th 2025, the IPC (a UN backed global analysis of food and nutrition) declared Gaza City has reached Phase 5 famine {1}. This is the highest level on their Acute Food Insecurity scale. It means that at least 30% of children are already suffering from acute malnutrition.
Another recent report, by Forensic Architecture and World Peace Foundation, analysed the Israeli system of aid distribution. They found patterns of intentional mass starvation {2}.
Back in March 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) declared Israel is required to take measures to comply with its obligations under the Genocide Convention act, following the South Africa vs. Israel case {3}.
I could go on, include more research and reports evidencing the ongoing genocide, the settler occupation in the West Bank {4}, the annihilating tool of ecocide {5} but I'll stop, and explain why I’ve made this page.
“Yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj” which means to "attach, join, yoke" {6}. While it is a practice aiming to unite mind, body and spirit through concepts such as physical postures (āsana) and breathing exercises (prāṇāyāma), under the philosophy of yoga, we are all connected.
As Yogis for Palestine summarise:
"Yoga helps us develop the capacity to sit with and receive uncomfortable truths (satya). It also helps us build the skill of inquiry. A foundational concept in yoga philosophy is vichara, or critical thinking, and engagement with what is happening in the world around us. Vichara allows us to ask questions that hold uncomfortable truths, and be willing to hear those answers." {7}.
I am taking part in this 12 hour yoga marathon to raise funds because the practice of yoga teaches us to bear witness, take action and be in community. Yoga is not about being flexible or pushing your body into poses because the person next to you can; it is a philosophy: one of peace, kindness and active non-violence (ahimsa).
MAP have been working in Palestine and Lebanon for more than 40 years. They collaborate with local communities to create accessible, effective, sustainable and locally-led systems of healthcare. They are also committed to bearing witness to the injustices caused by occupation, displacement and conflict. The funds I raise will go towards MAP's Palestine and Lebanon Emergency Response.
Thank you for your contribution, it means the world. ♥️
1. https://www.ipcinfo.org/ipcinfo-website/countries-in-focus-archive/issue-134/en/
2. https://worldpeacefoundation.org/blog/the-architecture-of-genocidal-starvation-in-gaza/
3. https://icj-cij.org/case/192
4. https://www.globalr2p.org/countries/israel-and-the-occupied-palestinian-territory/
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/23/israeli-military-uproots-thousands-of-palestinian-olive-trees-in-west-bank
6. https://www.znakovi-vremena.net/en/Swami-Satyananda-Saraswati---Asana-Pranayama-Mudra-Bandha.pdf