In April 2023, I will trek 90km across the West Bank in Palestine to raise funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), and in loving memory of Yousef M. Faroniya.

The trek is organised by MAP and lead by a local Palestinian guide. The trek will begin in Nablus, passing through Jericho, Bethlehem, Hebron, and ending in Jerusalem. I will be covering all travel costs, ensuring that 100% of donations fundraised go to MAP. 

With his passion for Palestinian rights, Yousef completed this 90km trek across Palestine with MAP in March 2019, just a few months before his passing. For anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him, they'll agree that being his friend made you feel invincible, because you knew that he always had your back. He inspired my first trip to Palestine in 2015, and told me he'd be the first to donate once I did the trek myself. Instead.. going back in 2023, I'll be trekking these 90kms in his memory, and hopefully with your support. 

About MAP:

MAP's vision is a future where all Palestinians can access an effective, sustainable and locally-led system of healthcare, and the full realisation of their rights to health and dignity.

Through our programmes in the West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem, and Lebanon, we work with trusted and experienced local partners to achieve this vision. Our programmes, designed and delivered by Palestinians, provide access to essential health services and build local knowledge and skills to address Palestinian health problems. In times of humanitarian emergency, we are ready to respond rapidly with aid and assistance.

MAP is also committed to bearing witness to the injustices caused by occupation, displacement and conflict. We speak out in the UK and internationally, and ensure Palestinian voices are heard at the highest levels, to press for the political and social barriers to Palestinian health and dignity to be addressed.

Why Palestine?

For Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Israel’s settlement policy drives mass and daily human rights violations. It affects whether, when and how they can travel to work or school, go abroad, visit relatives, earn a living, attend a protest, access their farmland, or even access electricity or a clean water supply. It means daily humiliation, fear and oppression. People’s entire lives are effectively held hostage by Israel.

With Israel's new, most far-right, ultra-nationalist cabinet in Israeli history, it is clear that Palestinians will continue to suffer under the illegal, violent occupation. The Israeli government has already promised to expand illegal settlements in Palestine, banned the Palestinian flag in public spaces, and in 1 week has killed 4 Palestinians - 3 of which were children. The global community needs to stand up against these ongoing human rights abuses.