In August 2006, cyclists from all over the world will leave central London and embark on an amazing journey across Europe to the Middle East, on the second historic Peace Cycle to Jerusalem!

Cycling through 12 different countries they will meet with politicians and public to raise awareness of the 38-year occupation and call for justice and peace in Israel and Palestine. After touring parts of Israel and the West Bank, the cyclists will finally ride into Jerusalem in September 2006.

Two of these individuals Arif Delawala, 19 and Irshad Patel, 20, both from London are taking part in this event.

“the peace cycle represents people from all faiths and are calling for a world wide support to end the cycle of violence on both sides of the border.”

“We understand that this requires dedication, commitment, and a good physical training programme. We believe that by taking part we can represent the views of the Muslim community of Great Britain as well as the views of the wider peace loving citizens of the United Kingdom. We wish to take the UK’s message of support and solidarity to those suffering in Palestine and assure them that the people of Britain have not forgotten them.

Arif and Irshad have in recent months been campaiging to raise funds and sponsorship to assist them in this cause and even encourage other Muslims to take part to increase the support to deal with the growing problem facing the people of Palestine.

Although The Peace Cycle organisation itself is a non muslim organisation, it has previously drawn cyclists from all over the world and from different faiths including Muslim, Jewish and Christian, whose nationalities included British, Irish, Swiss, German, American, Australian, Italian, Swedish, Greek, Palestinian and Israeli. It has also found strong support from both national and international organisations including the Association of Palestinian Communities UK, Palestine Solidarity Campaign, International Solidarity Movement, Gush Shalom (Israeli Peace Bloc), The Holy Land Trust, Annur Youth Association, Friends Of Al-Aqsa, Jews for Justice for Palestinians, Arab Media Watch, Jews Against Zionism, Al-Awda Right of Return Coalition, The Coalition for Palestine, The Palestinian General Delegation to the UK and the Holy See.

The Palestinians are remembered in our lives and in our duas across all faiths, therefore Islamic Times asks its readers to show concern for the Palestinian situation by supporting Arif and Irshad and donating towards making their journey a success Insha Allah. All the cyclists involved have made dontations to cover the cost of accomondation and travel. However, a lot more funds need to be raised, from which contributions will be made to a charity known as the Freedom Theatre Project. Too often, as Muslims we forget that situations such as that which our brothers and sisters in Palestine are experiencing on a daily basis can cause permanent and lasting effects far worse than any physical injuries from Israeli bombs. Psychologically, a child can be traumatised for the rest of their life. Wounds can be healed, but the time needed to heal a persons mind can take a lot longer.

 "To build and run a theatre/cultural centre that will be open to a range of cultural, artistic and social activities for the benefit of children's psychosocial development. The centre will be located in the northern West Bank refugee camp in Jenin, Palestine." (The Freedom Theatre) 

Anyone wishing to contribute should get in touch with Arif Delawala via email on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or on 07960501637 and for more info on the peace cycle go to the website www.thepeacecycle.org