FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 30, 2025

The March Against Genocide to Conclude at State Capitol 

On Thursday, June 26th, 42 community members began their 70+ mile march to Lansing , which will conclude on Monday June 30th at the State Capitol in Lansing. 

Donations to the GoFundMe, benefitting Heal Palestine and Playgrounds for Palestine, have reached over $12,000 since the march began. In addition, over $1,000 in cash donations have been accepted along the route. Full donated amount will be announced when everything is tallied.

The event was entirely organized as a grassroots effort, relying on volunteers to tackle every aspect of the march. Hundreds of volunteer hours, in-kind donations, sponsorships, and hot meals have been provided to support the march operations. In addition volunteers have provided bike safety, gear transportation, transportation to and from endpoints, and opened their homes, churches, and community spaces for shelter and respite. 

Volunteers explained that this was something they’ve never experienced before; the concern for those walking and ensuring their needs were met was a reminder of what every person supporting Palestine faces, and with little to no resources. Volunteers are experiencing the mental weight of caretaking for their vulnerable community. 

Marchers who came from as far away as California and Louisiana, as well as local community members, felt like “this could be something I could do, it would put my words into action.” They shared that despite how hard the experience was, it was not comparable to what Palestinians are experiencing in Gaza right now. Marchers spoke about how this has not only intensified their resolve for a Free Palestine but it has helped them to cut out noise and distractions. 

The ripple effect of this event is already taking place. While many went into the experience with expectations, they didn't anticipate how quickly community hearts and minds would change. All it took was seeing someone in need of water or food for community to step in to offer whatever they could. Community members offered the shade of their yards for safety when needed. 

The March Against Genocide is transforming west Michigan one person at a time. “Every person who sees us, interacts with us, gives us a ride, or makes us a plate of food is now going to go into their community spaces and talk about what happened. They will talk about Gaza,” said one marcher.

The March culminates today at the state Capitol at 5:30 for a rally welcoming the dozens of people who trekked 70+ miles to raise money for Gazan children.

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. 

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