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Running, Flying – High Hopes In Gaza
Photos + Video
By Julie Webb-Pullman
Two events held in Gaza City today symbolise the tenacity and the hope that mark the Palestinian struggle for justice.
In the first, a combined event held by the Ministries of Education and Detainees Affairs, over 100 people ran a marathon in support of both Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, and Al Aqsa Mosque and other holy sites.
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Marathon winner -Photo: Ministry of
Detainee Affairs
The runners started from the Car Market in Salah el Din Street and ran to the Ministry of Education. On their arrival a festival was held, with students from local schools performing three shows.
The Deputy Minister of Detainee Affairs Mohamad Alkatary noted that the event was part of the lead-up to Palestinian Prisoners Day on 17th April, and thanked the students for participating, saying that the prisoners are made stronger by knowing they have support from those on the outside.
Dr Ahmed Abu Halabiya, Palestinian Legislative Council representative and responsible for Jerusalem Affairs in that body, highlighted the violations being perpetrated against Al Aqsa Mosque and other holy sites.
Minister of Education Mohammad Seyum said that they had arranged this activity to raise awareness amongst school students about Palestine’s’ prisoners and their struggles, and also to know more about the threats to their holy places, especially Al Aqsa Mosque.
In the second event, the children of prisoners held in Israeli jails gathered outside the International Red Cross to draw pictures and write messages to their fathers. After speeches by the Minister of Detainee Affairs Dr Attallah Abu Sebah, the young daughters of two prisoners, and the mother of another, the drawings and messages were attached to balloons and released into the evening sky, along with the hopes of the children that they would float to Israel, and be received by their fathers.
Outside the Red Cross
Some drew pictures
Others wrote letters
and some did both
Others held pictures of their father
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but
they all have the same desire Click for larger
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ENDS
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