Biker club Race_Info to ride 1000 km’s for the Palestinian cause. NONTOBEKO AISHA MKHWANAZI reports.
SOCIAL media has been a buzz with the #GazaStarving, highlighting the famine faced by Palestinians due to the Israeli genocide.
‘Various media outlets such as www.aa.com.tr wrote an article with the headline “Hungry Gazans eat animal food, while animals nibble human bodies lying on streets” which captures and informs the world of the plight of the Palestinians. This is not something we can just view on social media or read in the papers and act as if it’s entertainment, but it is something that needs us to read and do something to support the people of Palestine,’ says Race_Info, Co-ordinator, Zaahir Gallo.
While the world viewed in shock, these media reports inspired Race_Info’ s event titled ‘1000 km to feed 1000 Palestinian homes’ which is set to take place on April 27, 2024.
‘Upon seeing a video clip on social media of a Palestinian women who was grinding animal feed to make flour in order to bake bread for her children and community, I was in tears and that was when I realised that yes, we may protest and need to continue protesting to show solidarity but at times we need to do more,’ says Gallo.
According to Gallo, Race_ Info is a biker club that consists of individuals who share not only a passion for bikes and racing but for helping humanity as well.
‘Through this initiative we are doing what we love for the people we love’, says Gallo.
He also highlights that the event will witness bikers travelling for 1000 km in one day, from Lansdowne (Shukrul Mubeen Masjid), George, Oudtshoorn, Cape Town, Chapmans Peak, Simon’s Town and back to Lansdowne.
He also urges the community to join them even in a car and to donate whatever they can, to make a difference to the lives of Palestinians.
‘ As Race_Info we are not the ones who will be handling the proceeds. However we have partnered with Gift of the Givers to facilitate the proceeds as the organisation is able to access the people of Palestine on the ground, making the needed change. Therefore, I urge you all to come in numbers to show support and I encourage you all to pledge even to feed one house,’ says Gallo.
He added that ‘the late Former President and struggle icon, Nelson Mandela, said ‘we will not be free until the people of Palestine are free’ and this year (April 27, 2024) on Freedom day let us affirm this statement.’
He notes that this significant day commemorates the triumph over apartheid in South Africa and serves as a beacon of hope for the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice worldwide.
‘In light of the atrocities faced by the oppressed all over the world, the South African Freedom Day holds immense importance in giving them hope. Marking the culmination of years of tireless activism and resistance against institutionalised oppression. It symbolises the collective strength of individuals united in the pursuit of equality and human rights,’ says Gallo.
Drawing parallels between apartheid in South Africa and the ongoing genocide Palestine, Gallo says the similarities are devastating, particularly concerning hunger and deprivation.
‘In both contexts, hunger is not just a consequence of the genocide, but a deliberate tactic used to control and oppress marginalised populations. Just as apartheid policies enforced segregation and denied access to necessities for Black and coloured South Africans, the Israeli blockade and military aggression have resulted in widespread hunger and food insecurity among Palestinians,’ says Gallo.
He further says, ‘this Freedom Day, let us honour Mandela’s legacy by actively working towards a world where all individuals, regardless of their nationality or ethnicity, can live free from oppression and discrimination.’
He notes that this includes among many things pledging to amplify the voices of the marginalised and to strive for a future where justice and equality prevail.
‘You cannot fight when there is nothing in your stomach. You need energy and the oppressors know this. So, let us provide the people with food and energy so they can continue fighting for their freedom,’ he added.
For more information, updates or donations contact RACEINFO_CPT via email: raceinfo299@gmail.com, visit their Facebook page @ RACEINFO_CPT, contact Zaahir Gallo: 079 881 4715 or visit their offices at : Shukrul Mubeen Masjid.
