Ealing Friends of Palestine (EFoP) ran in the Ealing Half Marathon (EHM) yesterday (30 September) to raise awareness about the freedom of movement issue faced by Palestinians in Gaza.

The group argues that while people can participate in marathons or run 13 miles freely in their day-to-day, Palestinians in Gaza do not enjoy that privilege.

A spokesperson for EFoP says: "While we run 13 miles freely, millions of Palestinians are restricted by checkpoints, walls, and the Gaza blockade - known as 'the Apartheid Wall' - making it nearly impossible for them to move between cities, access healthcare, or visit family.

"Our run is a statement: while we take our freedom for granted, Palestinians struggle daily just to move around their own land. By raising funds, we're supporting those impacted by these harsh restrictions."

Ealing Friends of Palestine members before taking part in the 13 miles of Ealing Half Marathon (credit: Ealing Friends of Palestine).

As well as raising awareness, EFoP participated in the 12th edition of the EHM which runs through Ealing and West Ealing and finishes at Walpole Park, to raise funds for grassroots charities.

The group raised £1,700 for charitable groups such as Pur-Pal, Amos Trust and Gaza Sunbirds.

Pur-Pal is EFoP's partner group which consists of activists within Ealing who formed the group solely to raise funds.

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It consists of several members from EFoP and is supported by both the local community and the wider Ealing and London communities, including Palestinians from Ealing with family in Gaza.

The EFoP spokesperson adds: "While we respect and value the wide range of causes supported by participants in the EHM, we believe that the Palestinian cause we're fundraising for is one of critical urgency given the current situation on the ground.

"The organisation we are supporting is a grassroots initiative that has a direct impact. We have members of Ealing Friends of Palestine who are actively involved in aid distribution, both in Gaza and in Egypt.

"These connections ensure that the funds raised go directly to the communities that need it most, providing vital support to those suffering under incredibly difficult circumstances."

To find out more about EFoP and support, click here.

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