CYCLING FOR HOPE

What is happening in Gaza is so overwhelming that there are no words for the totality of violence, evil and suffering. The systematic and widespread destruction of Gaza impacts many of us and has made me feel powerless - voting, demonstrations and virtue signaling on social media seems to have no impact on anything happening there.

The only thing I can do is collect money for the Hope- foundation a cause that I really believe has meaningful effects for the victims and survivors of Gaza.

HOPE has already worked over 30 years with teachers and community members for children in conflict areas that need to cope with the effects of war through dance, art and music. These are the things I also enjoy very much, but are more important than ever - they offer children in Gaza right now all kind of activities regarding trauma processing, as they are the ultimate witness to this genocide. I want the children of Gaza to have to opportunity to develop as people and to forget, if only for just a moment, about their situation. It also offers them moments to cultivate joy, peace, and hope, while also being able to make art or poetry about what’s happening around them in reduced circumstances.

The Co-Founder of the Hope Foundation is Ingrid Rollema, the chair of PIP Den Haag. I have a personal connection to the organisation and have the confidence the funds are well spent, since I can see the direct link of where the money is going.

To raise money for HOPE, I am cycling a distance of 1800 km from Maastricht to Tisno Coatia. This is one way I can contribute and your support means we can raise some money for the children of Gaza.

Nearly all schools and Universities in Gaza have been bombed. Now almost all children are ’housed ‘in tents in camps in temperatures of around 40 degrees. Mister Karam head and founder of the Language School in Khan Yunis has found it his responsibility to start a primary school in Mawasi Camp. This requires the salary of six teachers, teaching materials and an improvised place to give the children minimal shelter. It is extremely important that education can be provided despite everything. Failure to provide education will weaken society now and in the future. I will cycle specifically to help to establish a primary school and give 160 children the opportunity to get the education that every child in this world should have. With the funds that I raise the improvised school can function until the end of 2025. Please help me to make this possible for the children in Gaza.

Thanks for your attention.

Marlon