Marathon for Palestine

Braving bad weather conditions, including cold weather and strong winds, thousands of children and adults took part in a marathon which covered the whole length of the Palestinian territory[1]. This marathon, the second of its kind, is organized by the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) in order to raise funds for summer camps and to raise awareness for the situation in Palestine (specifically the Gaza-Strip which is blockaded by Israel causing major humanitarian concerns)[2].

However, this event was not simply about politics. As the UNRWA Deputy Director states: "The marathon sends two messages; the first is that Gaza children are seeking to enjoy a normal life equal to other children in the world and the second that UNRWA is in real need from Arab and international countries to keep providing services to the Strip's people[3]." 

‘Fun’ is an aspect of life that many children in Gaza are missing out on due to the unimaginable humanitarian conditions that have arisen due to the Israel’s blockade. ‘Normal’ is another aspect of life that Palestinian children have been unable to experience, especially since the Gaza-War where hundreds of innocent children and women were killed due to Israeli airstrikes.

Still, I am not going to argue for or against Israel in this post (let us not forget that Hamas and other extremist organizations in Palestine have carried out horrific attacks on Israel). Instead, I believe that events such as the marathon are a great way to promote to the world that Palestinians are in fact after a normal, equal life. 

Although Hamas is widely recognized as an extremist-Islamist group, they allowed both female and male runners to participate in this marathon (contrary to their views), which raises money for co-ed summer camps. Additionally, this seeks to show that Palestinians are more united than they are reported to be. Regardless of recent agreements between Hamas and Fatah, the media continues to portray Palestine as internally ‘divided.’ Yet, this marathon proves that Palestinians, whether members of Hamas or Fatah, all believe in a better future. 

Gemma Connell, a runner from last year’s marathon, explained: 

"I ran through refugee camps, past farmers and street cleaners. They all clapped and shouted: 'Salam Alaikum'. The variety of scenery and the welcome was incredible and there was the unspeakable beauty of the Mediterranean, which gave me the energy to keep going[4]."  

Since political attempts to recognize the dire conditions in the Palestinian territories, and to recognize the Palestinian states have generally failed (due to the stance of the USA), I reckon this was a very successful event, and that more activities, such as this marathon, should be held in the Palestinian territories in order to portray to the world a peaceful, united, community that is simply longing for equality, justice, and peace. These activities highlight the dire conditions that many Palestinians face:  not only do they encourage Palestinians to be involved, have fun, and forget about their differences, but they also allow the world to view Palestinians as human beings that are being deprived of basic human rights.

What are your views on this event? 

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[1] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-17225400

[2] http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/05/gaza-stages-first-marathon

[3] http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/gaza-children-run-marathon-to-raise-funds-for-un-summer-camps-1.415913

[4] http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/05/gaza-stages-first-marathon