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Hundreds of supporters stepped out for the Palestinian cause over the weekend for a walkathon which raised more than BD5,000 to help those affected by the conflict in Gaza.
The Step for Gaza walkathon was part of the #BH4GAZA fundraising campaign organised by Ayadi Relief, a Bahraini youth-led charity made up of big-hearted individuals aiming to make the world a better place.
More than 450 people gathered at Amwaj Islands outdoor shopping strip, The Lagoon, to show their support for the cause.
Fajer Mufeez, founder and chairwoman of Ayadi Relief, said: “I know that everyone wants to raise their voice and support the people of Gaza as they have suffered a lot. We wanted to do something to bring everyone together to express themselves and support the cause any way they can.”
The funds raised from the event will be sent to the International Humanitarian Relief Foundation in Gaza along with other authorities to purchase medical aid and food supplies.
Fajer said: “Once the situation is calmer and the borders are opened up we will send a convoy to Gaza. But for the time being we will be sending money through wire transfer to the organisations we have been dealing with for years.”
Since July 8, more than 1,054 Palestinians have been killed and 6,000 have been injured since Israel launched its offensive on the Mediterranean enclave, home to 1.8 million Palestinians. The conflict also saw the destruction of several hospitals, clinics and homes.
Fajer added: “What has been happening to the Palestinians is a disaster and can best be described as a massacre. We have many more events lined-up to raise funds for the poor people of Gaza.”
Khaled Almoayyed, 25, who works in advertising, from Riffa, believes it’s about time people took a stand.
He said: “I honestly feel that our Arab leaders are not saying anything at all and are not reacting to a situation that needs to be reacted to. Which is why I feel that this is the least we can do, as human beings, to rally and raise funds for the people that are in need right now.
“I’m here to show that we all have a voice and what we want actually matters. Human beings are being killed. The whole world is waking up to this and moving together. This has happened many times in the past but for some people it’s like a trend. They get excited and passionate and then it fades away.
“This time it’s different because of social media. A lot more people know about it, a lot more people care about it and a lot more people now know about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. We will not stay quiet any longer.”
Friends Mashael Al Saie and Maram Alarayedh, both 19 and university students, also wanted to show their support.
Mashael, from Janabiya, said: “Set aside all the politics, the fact is that many people are dying and that is heart-breaking to see. We need to do anything we can to help and show our solidarity to the world.”
Meanwhile, for Maram, from Isa Town, the Palestinian cause hits closer to home.
She said: “My mother has always been a supporter of Palestine, taking part in various causes. Now, I too can join her in taking action.”
Walker Mohamed Zainal, 26, a banker, from Riffa, said: “It’s sad what is going on and I feel helpless because I can’t do anything for them there. I will do as much as I can here to raise awareness and support the cause.”
Ayadi Relief have also set up 40 collection boxes across malls and restaurants in Bahrain for further donations to be sent to the authorised groups in Gaza.
As the campaign continues, there are several more fund-raising events taking place over the coming weeks.
There will be an Eid celebration today at Riyadat Mall in A’Ali for children from noon to 9.30pm, a men’s only football tournament on August 8, a Bahrain Riders motorcycle ride on August 9 and a day-time CrossFit event on August 15.
For further details, contact Majeed Al Majid on 36936989 or email pr@ayadirelief.org
