MECA’s Third Annual Ride for Palestine and Gathering for Gaza on July 21 were nothing short of incredible. The events of the day gave people in the Bay Area a chance to come together at this heartbreaking time, to show their solidarity with Palestine, enjoy beautiful Palestinian culture and food, and raise funds for MECA’s Gaza Emergency Response.
Wow—it was truly amazing to move for freedom with Team SURJ and hundreds of other courageous people of conscience … I’m so proud of everyone on our team and all of our supporters who helped us raise nearly $12,000 for MECA and their ground relief crew in Gaza. Viva Viva Palestina!
— Amber Hatfield, Captain of the 2024 SURJ (Standing Up for Racial Justice) Ride for Palestine team
More than 300 people of all ages rode their bikes for 14 miles along the San Francisco Bay Trail in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Over 8,000 people responded to the Riders fundraising efforts with donations of $5 to $1,000
44 generous businesses, non-profit organizations, and publications sponsored the Ride with donations and promotion.
Hundreds joined the post-Ride Gathering for Gaza with food, music, debka performances and high spirits
The Riders raised over $300,000 for Gaza emergency aid.
Top Fundraisers included Layla Hashemi, David Keenan, Mary Salome, Richard Claymore, and Molly McClure. Top five teams: Jewish Voice for Peace- Bay Area, East Bay Families for Ceasefire, SURJ Bay Area, Hurriyya, San Bruno Rides for Palestine
“Sister Rides” were held by supporters in Virginia and Wisconsin.
More than 1,600 people joined The Big Ride for Palestine UK, MECA’s original inspiration for the Bay Area Ride. This year they held one-day rides in eight cities, raising awareness as they went, and raising funds for MECA and Gaza Sunbirds para-cycling team.