In Spring 2025 we travelled to Palestine and Israel with ICAHD (International Committee Against House Demolitions) for a study tour. We met activists from many different backgrounds and industries, all committed to supporting the Palestinian cause. Rabbis standing alongside Palestinian shepherds resisting hostile illegal settlers; bookshop owners championing Palestinian literature; Israeli journalists reporting truth through alternative media; youth workers rooted in the refugee camps; university students crossing multiple checkpoints just to attend lectures; farmers trying to protect a deteriorating ecosystem; a community worker who had been unlawfully jailed and tortured; hoteliers who had lost their livelihoods since 7 October; and a family who'd had their home demolished and been thrown off their own land three times, but continue to fight.

There were incredibly challenging stories, yet stories of resilience and hope. We returned with a renewed commitment to stand in solidarity and to lobby for freedom and justice.

On 17th April, 10,000 Palestinian runners will take to the streets of Bethlehem for the 10th Palestine Marathon, with the race taking place in the shadow of the illegal Separation Wall. As fell runners, the idea of running to raise money and awareness felt like a natural way to stand alongside Palestinians and support *Amos Trust’s work in Gaza and the West Bank.

Although we’d love to return to Bethlehem, that isn’t possible at the moment, so instead, we’ll be running our own marathon the same weekend in the Cumbrian fells. Our route will take us from our doorstep in Penrith and around the Ullswater Way.

We'd be very grateful for any donation you can make.

In solidarity,

Rachel & Steve Jack

*Amos Trust is a small creative human rights organisation that has worked with partners in the West Bank and Gaza for over 30 years. Find out more: https://www.amostrust.org/