March Against Genocide: Support the Children of Gaza

To sign up to walk with us or volunteer for the event, please fill out this form : bit.ly/walkagainstgenocide

Palestine Solidarity Grand Rapids is planning a 70-mile March Against Genocide from Grand Rapids to Lansing, June 26 to 30, to bring the effects of genocide to the media and raise money for Playgrounds for Palestine, and HEAL Palestine. You can contribute by donating to this GoFundMe. Learn more about the organizations below, followed by our reasons for marching.

We are not athletes - we are community members of varying abilities and ages ranging from early 20s to late 70s. As community-minded people, we believe in international solidarity with the people of Palestine, and demand that our tax dollars cease funding this brutal and inhumane occupation.

We are seeking organizational endorsements, financial and in-kind sponsors, accommodations and locations for educational events along our route, and community members to walk in solidarity with us.

Heal Palestine: Restoring Hope, One Child at a Time

Heal Palestine is an apolitical, nonprofit organization committed to bringing injured children from Gaza to the United States for critical, life-saving medical care that is not available in Palestine. More than just treatment, HP believes in healing the whole child. Heal Palestine takes a holistic, three-pronged approach that includes physical care, mental health support, and educational opportunities—empowering children and their families to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

To date, thirty Palestinian children have been evacuated to the U.S. through their medical missions and have received vital care. HP’s work continues to grow. They are expanding their medical efforts, enhancing mental health services, and increasing their field hospital capacity to better respond to urgent needs on the ground. Education is a cornerstone of recovery and resilience, so HP is increasing programs to reach more displaced children, ensuring they don’t lose their future to conflict. At the same time, HP is investing in leadership initiatives designed to strengthen communities from within, cultivating long-term resilience and self-sufficiency.

Heal Palestine remains steadfast in the commitment to providing food and essential aid to families facing extreme hardship, fighting hunger and supporting daily survival. Every aspect of the work is driven by compassion, guided by justice, and rooted in a deep belief in the power of healing.

For more information on Heal Palestine, please visit

Playgrounds for Palestine is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered in Pennsylvania, USA. Founded in 2001 by author and activist Susan Abulhawa, the organization was created as a direct response to the challenges faced by Palestinian children living under occupation and conflict. PfP was established to uphold the Right to Play, as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

At its core, this initiative is an act of solidarity and love—an affirmation of Palestinian children’s right to a childhood and a recognition of their humanity. In the face of trauma, displacement, and violence, the simple act of play becomes a powerful form of healing and expression.

To date, PfP has built 63 playgrounds, impacting the lives of more than 91,000 children across Palestine. These playgrounds offer safe, joyful spaces where children can play, grow, and reclaim a piece of their stolen childhood.

PfP playgrounds are built with a commitment to equity and community. Every site ensures:

Playgrounds have been constructed in cities and refugee camps across Gaza and the West Bank, including Bethlehem, Khan Younis, Deir Balah, Nahr al-Balad, and Nablus, among others.

For more information on PfP, visit

50% of the proceeds from this GoFundMe will go to the above organizations. 25% will help cover logistics and overhead for the event, including purchasing safety gear, food and water, and more. The leftover 25% will go toward Palestine Solidarity Grand Rapids organizing efforts to cover year-round logistics such as printing costs, supplies such as posterboard, food, and water, annual fees and subscriptions, etc. PSGR is a grassroots organization that relies on the generosity of our community. We thank each and every one of you for your donations.

Why We March Against Genocide: For a Free Palestine from the River to the Sea

1. Because Palestine Is About Collective Liberation

To march for Palestine is to stand against militarism, racism, settler colonialism, and environmental destruction. It's not just about Gaza but it's about all of us.

2. Because the Genocide in Gaza Is a Climate Crime

Israel’s bombing campaign released over 281,000 metric tons of CO₂ in just 3 months—worsening the global climate crisis.

Source: The Guardian, Jan 2024

3. Because It’s a War on Children

Over 16,500 children have been killed in Gaza and over 60,000 injured. The U.S. refuses to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to protect the children of Gaza..

Source: Haaretz, May 2025

4. Because This Is a Genocide

As of March 2025, over 61,000 Palestinians have been killed, 124,000+ injured, and thousands more remain buried under rubble.

Source: Al Jazeera, March 2025

5. Because Our Systems of Oppression Are Interlinked

U.S. law enforcement—including ICE and local police—train with Israeli forces, sharing tactics of surveillance, repression, and militarized violence.

Sources: Jewish Voice for Peace, The Real News

6. Because International Law Is Being Shredded

From illegal settlements to collective punishment, Israel has repeatedly violated international law and UN resolutions with impunity.

7. Because Our Tax Dollars Fund This

While our communities face underfunded schools, healthcare, and housing—$95 million dollars from Michigan alone goes to support Israel's military settler colonial state each year.

Source: Michigan Legislature

8. Because the War Economy Must End

Israel operates a permanent war economy, testing weapons on civilians and tying military interests to public and private institutions.

Source: Security in Context

We March to Reclaim Our Humanity