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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 18, 2025

Palestine Solidarity Grand Rapids Organizes 70+ Mile March to Support Palestinian Children 

“We’re not athletes, we’re community members who care a whole lot and want to put our words into action.” 

In late May, volunteers from Palestine Solidarity Grand Rapids (PSGR) began an internal conversation about how to bring more awareness to the displacement and genocide happening in Palestine. Volunteers wondered if they could orchestrate a 70+ mile walk to Lansing, from Grand Rapids and from there, everything took off. 

The group has selected two benefactors from the event: Heal Palestine, who provides life-saving medical care to the children of Palestine whose injuries from bombardment, displacement, and trauma are interconnected and Playgrounds for Palestine, a group who recognizes the right to joy in childhood and works to guarantee Palestinian children can access that. 

The march itself will last 5 days, with the core group camping in private spaces donated to them from organizations and individuals. Potluck meals will be provided by volunteers. While the group recognizes this is nowhere near what Palestinians are experiencing, this is a small window into what displacement can be like as they will spend the majority of their days walking, with food and shelter provided at a basic level and only because of the goodness of strangers. 

The march will kick off with a rally in Grand Rapids at Fountain Street Church on June 26th at 7:30am and conclude at the state Capital on June 30th. 

In addition to community gathering and potlucks at each stop, the group is planning educational events for the communities they will be staying in.

The group includes their reasons for marching as well as opportunities for financial sponsorship and endorsements. All are welcome to join in solidarity with the Palestinian people by walking as much or as little as they are able, volunteering, or providing in-kind and financial support to this effort. 

More information can be found on their website at https://palestinesolidaritygr.org/march-to-lansing