what americans are saying about the Gaza 5K
Across the US, Americans are spreading the word on the importance of creating better access to mental health services for Palestine refugee kids in the Gaza Strip.
Hear in their own words why Gaza 5K participants choose to move for mental health
Voices of the Gaza 5K
Stories from Gaza 5K events across the US
“Last Saturday [September 22, 2018], I ran the Gaza 5K for the second year in a row. I ran a 19 second PR and came in first among the women, but despite my personal accomplishments that day, what was most meaningful was running for a cause I care so deeply about. It felt especially crucial after the current administration ceased US funding to UNRWA, as well as funding to Palestinian hospitals in East Jerusalem. It was an honor to run for the Institute for Palestine Studies team and for the people of Gaza, and it was so heartwarming to meet so many others who are just as passionate about the Palestinian cause.“
CHERIE | DC GAZA 5K | 2018
“For me, personally, I love this event because it’s not only showing up for a cause that I care about, but I love running, and I love being part of community.”
MELANIE | DC GAZA 5K | 2018
“I’m so excited to see such a diverse community of people come out today to support Palestinians and support the people of Gaza. [It’s] such an outpouring of love and it’s beautiful to see. The diversity of Brooklyn is being expressed so perfectly today in Prospect Park.”
NADIA | NYC GAZA 5K | 2015
“It’s [the Gaza 5K] important because they [Palestinians in Gaza] are dying and they need help from somebody in this world. I want them to be healthy and happy and live like me and be able to play soccer and have a home.”
LAITH (6 yrs) | ORANGE COUNTY GAZA 5K | 2015
Gaza 5K in the media
KCRA: Gaza 5K in Sacramento raises money, awareness for Palestinian rights - June 12, 2021
The Morningside Post: “SIPA Students Support Gaza 5K” - March 21, 2020
TRT World: “UNRWA Funding Cut: Runners race to help Palestinian refugee agency” - September 22, 2019
Middle East Eye: “Running for UNRWA: Two distance runs come to Washington for battle against funding cuts” - September 29, 2019
“Reflecting on Five Years Running the DC Gaza 5K” by Elsa Khwaja - September 28, 2019
Medium : “Palestinian DJ Fatin plays for NYC’s immigrant community” - July 29, 2019
Middle East Eye: “Despite Trump's UNRWA cuts, Americans show support for Palestinian refugees” - October 5, 2018
The Muslim Link: “Hundreds Move for Mental Health at Gaza 5K in DC” by Rola Ghannam - September 26, 2018
The Arlington Connection: “Runners Raise over $160,000” by Eden Brown - September 25, 2018
“Why I Run the UNRWA DC GAZA 5K…Take 4…” by Elsa Khwaja - September 22, 2018
Refugees International: “‘For Gazans, there is no day after UNRWA’ — US cuts aid with no one to fill the void” by Alexandra Lamarche - September 19, 2018
Al Arabiya: “New Yorkers raise over $350k for mental healthcare in Gaza” by Phoebe Leila Barghouty - March 25, 2018