July 30, 2024 | Socialist Action
Run for Palestine is a registered not-for-profit athletic organization founded in 2009 and based in Toronto. It has expanded to Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg and London, Ontario. Its goal is to raise money for charities operating in Palestine and Palestinian refugee camps in the Middle East, while promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. Run for Palestine has raised over $500,000 for various projects in the West Bank, Gaza, and the camps in Beirut, Lebanon.
Thousands of runners and walkers participated in the event in Toronto on July 28, including SA members Corey D. and Peter D. An announcement, following the run, indicated that about $70,000 was raised locally to aid the Palestinian people who continue to suffer devastating Zionist state bombardment from the air and military ground assault.
On this occasion at Budapest Park, by the shores of Lake Ontario, a large fair hosted many booths that sold food, T-shirts, keffiyeh and jewellery. Organizers dispensed free bottled water, pineapple and bananas. Music filled the air. The main stage featured singers, speakers, a dance by an Indigenous woman in a jingle shirt, and short races with prizes for children.
Socialist Action staffed a display table, situated just outside the fair ground; it was covered with booklets, leaflets and buttons. Twenty-six people signed up for more information from SA. Visitors spent $63 to purchase various items in the midst of many friendly conversations on the hot, sunny afternoon.
