A Blackburn man who last year ran from London to Blackburn to raise money for people in Gaza, has now visited Palestine to personally deliver the aid raised through his latest campaign.
Nadeem Vali flew to the West Bank to deliver the aid to displaced civilians after raising money through his mammoth running effort.
“The feeling was overwhelming with emotion,” he said, describing their arrival.
“There was a lot of uncertainty around whether we would get through border control because of all the positive coverage and support the fundraiser received, which could have flagged with Israeli authorities.
"We were held for a few hours by officials for screening and interviews, but thankfully, we were granted entry.”
That same evening, the team visited a hospital where children and families from Gaza were receiving medical care.
READ MORE: Runner completes 200 mile London to Blackburn run for Gaza aid
“It’s one thing seeing it on your TV and phone, but when you see it in reality, it really hits home how much pain and suffering the Palestinians are going through," he said.
Nadeem and his team headed to the West Bank because they were unable to enter Gaza (due to the ongoing genocide).
He said: “We couldn’t risk the purpose of our mission by being deported.
"Due to this, our focus was to help Palestinians and those displaced from Gaza in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the West Bank, Hebron, and surrounding areas.”
Because of security checks, they were unable to take aid with them, but once in Palestine, they used the funds to:
- Hand out toys and cash donations to displaced children and families in hospitals
- Visit an orphanage to donate daily essentials (water, food, confectionery, cleaning products)
- Completed three separate food and money distributions to 450 families
- House-to-house visits distributing cash donations
- Paid for five children’s school fees
“We worked with local Palestinian contacts and a local charity that supported in ensuring everything was handled logistically.
"For their safety, I can’t give specific names of people and organisations,” he said.
“We met every single person aid was given to. This was important to me and the team.
"We were trusted by those who donated to ensure aid was given to the right people, and we wanted to stay true to our word and their trust.”
READ MORE: Gaza Grill brings authentic Palestinian flavours to Blackburn
The reaction, Nadeem said, was “overwhelming” and brought the team to tears throughout the trip.
He said: “During the hospital visit, we saw a woman who had both hands and feet amputated, yet she was still smiling and thankful for what she had.
"At the orphanage visit the children were so happy to see us. Despite going through the trauma they have at such a young age, they were full of life and energy.
“During the food and money distribution, we heard stories of families not being able to eat meat for so many months because of how expensive it is to buy.
"They were thanking us and everyone who donated for thinking of them and supporting them.
"During house-to-house visits, we met elders who were our parents’ age in tears and feeling helpless for the situation they were in.
"Single mothers (whose husbands were killed or imprisoned) with three or more children all lived in one tiny room, trying to survive on the bare minimum.
"The conditions they were living in were unbearable and heartbreaking to see.”
Nadeem expressed his gratitude to everyone who donated and supported the mission.
“Without either of those, our mission would not have been possible," he added.
He said his mission is to “spread peace, love, and harmony in the world.
"We are only in this world for a short time; we should learn to live respecting each other’s religions, beliefs, cultures, backgrounds, and ethnicities without getting into conflict.
"Keep raising your voice for peace, and do not give up on those who are helpless in Palestine and around the world. It’s the least we can do as human beings.
"We must do everything in our power to bring attention to this to encourage the people to push the government to put a stop to the daily suffering of the people of Gaza.
"Every human life is a precious one. Just because we are thousands of miles away from what is happening doesn’t mean we ignore and turn away from reality. Tomorrow, it could be us.”
Following the trip, Nadeem confirmed that the team is determined to continue supporting those in need.
He said, “The team are planning to organise future fundraising events with the intention to once again hand deliver aid and support."
Updates will be shared via their Instagram page at RunxGaza.
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