The Big Ride for Palestine July 19th 2026

Gil Halsted talked with Cassandra Dixon, local activist for Palestine and Zeiad Abbas Shamrouch the Executive Director of the Middle East Childrens Alliance, known as MECA, about raising money for Gaza with the Big Ride for Palestine on July 19th. They talked about the bike ride itself as well as the complicated route by which funds get to Gaza and what they are used for and by whom. Big Ride for Palestine 10:00 AM July 19th from Olin Park Bike Path Madison has partnered with MECA for years on projects to benefit children in Gaza and Cassandra and Zeiad talk about how the Big Ride not only raises funds but is also a way to show solidarity with Palestinians. Cassandra made it very clear that everyone is welcome at the Big Ride whether they are bike riders, walkers, runners, unicyclists or other. Those who sign up by July 15th will get a Big Ride shirt. Meeting time is 10:00 AM at Olin Park on July 19th and there will be watermelon and cold water as well as festive decorating materials for bikes and other vehicles. The ride is to the zoo and back with a break at Midland Park. Information about Signup, to donate and all other Big Ride information is on the Madison Rafah Sister City Project website at http://madisonrafah.org/