Bike ride to help hostages
Victoria and New South Wales will host first global campaign event in support of the hostages who on this 100th day, Sunday January 14, are still in captivity.
The first event in a global campaign to help bring the Gaza hostages home will be held in Melbourne and Sydney this weekend.
As the world marks 100 days since the devastating hostage crisis that began on October 7th, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the “Ride To Bring Them Home Now”.
It’s a series of 20 to 40km bike rides to draw attention to the plight of the remaining 130 plus hostages, and its being held around the world this Sunday.
Communities all over the globe will unite in solidarity by taking to their bikes adorned with yellow ribbons.
Tour de France legend Chris Froome is among those participating.
Melbourne will kick off the campaign with a 40km road ride down the scenic coast starting at 8 a.m. and concluding at 10 a.m. at a park where a family-friendly fun ride will take place.
For security reasons, specific route details are not being publicized. Those taking part will be told where to go at least 24 hours beforehand.
Among the confirmed speakers at the park is Michelle Ananda-Rajah, a federal MP who recently returned from a trip to Israel.
With just two days of promotion, over 300 people have already signed up to participate.
It’s been organized by Zionism Victoria, with the support of the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA), the Israeli Embassy, and Maccabi Victoria.
In addition to raising awareness, the event aims to generate funds for the UIA emergency appeal and Bring Them Home Now initiative.
Zeddy Lawrence, Executive Director of Zionism Victoria, said “We may all have had a break over the holiday season, but there’s been no respite for the 130 plus hostages kidnapped 100 days ago. It’s incumbent on us to ensure that their plight is not forgotten and, indeed, is at the forefront of any discussion about the current conflict”.
Additionally, Zionist Council of New South Wales joins the global initiative to tie a yellow ribbon to our bikes and ride in support of the hostages who on this 100th day, Sunday January 14, are still in captivity.
The United with Israel NSW group has also joined forces with the Zionist Council of NSW for an art exhibition at the location of the bike ride initiative.
Even if you don’t plan to participate in the ride, attendees are encourged to join in commemorating 100 days since October 7th through a poignant exhibition dedicated to the Bibas family – Yarden, Shiri, Ariel (4), and Kfir (1).
This display showcases 100 artworks contributed by Israeli and Australian artists, serving as a tribute to their resilience, a plea for increased awareness, and a collective prayer for their safe return and all the hostages.
Participation in these events is open to all, and those interested in taking part can sign up here:
Victoria: trybooking.com/COGOZ
New South Wales 60km: events.humanitix.com/ride-to-bring-them-home-in-sydney
New South Wales 3Km: events.humanitix.com/ride-to-bring-them-home-zcnsw
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