T N E M E E D V I R O T M S A S T I S D N FI
Morad and his companion wore keffiyehs and Palestinian flags as they jogged down the Paul Dudley White Bike Path, sharing frustrations, hopes, and fears. One and a half years later, a group of runners, walkers, bikers, and musicians take to the same path every Sunday, chanting, drumming, and dreaming of a free Palestine.
After four months of watching Israel’s genocide of the Palestinian people, Ahmed Morad felt helpless—so, a frequent marathon runner, he turned once more to movement for solace and solidarity. He made a public Facebook event and took to the streets one Sunday morning. “When I showed up [to the meeting point], no one was there,” shared Morad about the group’s first run. “Then, I got a phone call from a runner friend: someone they knew was trying to find me!”
Runners for Justice in Palestine (RJP) is a global movement, literally and figuratively, in solidarity with the Palestinian people. The Boston chapter has met every Sunday for more than 66 weeks as of the publication of this article. “We want to highlight the basic human right to freedom of movement, which Palestinians do not have, and we hope to start many more conversations about Israeli apartheid and control over Palestinian people,” shared one runner who preferred to remain anonymous. The group takes inspiration from the organization Right to Movement, which began as an effort to raise awareness of physical barriers imposed by the Israeli occupation in the West Bank. Every week, the run begins with an opportunity to ground and reflect together, which usually involves education on current or historical events in Palestine and connections to other places and times. After the run is a “community debrief,” during which members can share feelings, feedback, and upcoming events. This ritual has been cathartic for many who are dedicated to Palestinian liberation in the greater Boston area.
(Levantine folk dance) lesson led by two runners for the community to join.
“Knowing that there are people around who are compassionate, brilliant, and actively trying to change what tomorrow looks like—not just for one group, but for all people—it’s healing,” said one Cambridge resident and graduate student who has run with the group since the summer of 2024. This runner’s name has been omitted for privacy. The run club has blossomed into a rare interfaith, multigenerational, and multicultural meeting place where people can bring their overlapping identities to share with others. Conversations during or after the run might span topics from the Palestinian struggle to prison abolition efforts in Massachusetts to Cuban history and anti-imperialism. “We come to protest from different circles and backgrounds. Spaces that bring diverse people together, across age, lifestyle, faith, job sectors, ethnicity, etc., are rare,” said Nate Harlan, a Boston-based musician. “As a bringer of music, I run while playing a doumbek (Arabic drum), and as a Jew, I try to mobilize people around issues that involve the Jewish community, particularly at the intersection of Jewish identity and the movement for a free Palestine.” After RJP made regular visits to the student-led encampments at Harvard University and MIT in the spring of 2024, the group became more visible, attracting organizers from across the city and state to connect and amplify efforts. Members regularly drive to Boston from Maine and the Cape. Somerville mayoral candidate Willie Burnley Jr. joined the group on May 20 to share about his campaign, and a future weekend in June will feature a dabke
“This cause draws in people who are fighting for a more just world. We don’t just run, we skill-share, we celebrate milestones together, we dance, we learn,” said Mina, whose name has been changed for privacy. Run clubs are notoriously intimidating, though the members of the RJP community encourage anyone to join regardless of their ability. “We are people who come together to show up and move together for a free Palestine, and we show up in all kinds of ways. We are a place to talk and laugh, we are a place to meet new people,” said Harlan. Mina is excited to attract more RJP members in time for the Cambridge Half Marathon in November. “If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the state of the world, just come see us,” she said. “The warmth you will feel [when you join us] is palpable. You don’t have to be a runner or an ‘activist,’ you just have to be someone who cares.” Boston Runners for Justice in Palestine holds weekly meetups for healing, community care, transformative action, and radical joy. Lace up your shoes and join us every Sunday at 10am! The group meets at 575 Memorial Drive in Cambridge by the Charles River. All paces and walkers are welcome!
MALIKA SUD
CO-ORGANIZER OF RUNNERS FOR JUSTICE IN PALESTINE
PAGE LAYOUTS:
Phoebe Delmonte: p.1,4,5 Ruby Garcia: p.7 Akbota Saudabayeva: p.2,3 Adrian Alvarez: p.6,8