8 November 2026 | The 10th Annual Big Ride for Palestine
More than 25 riders took part in the finale of the Big Ride for Palestine in Magan-djin, nearly half the national total of riders. Around 65 people participated in the ride and finale event altogether. It was a wonderful way to end our three-week campaign, with speeches, solidarity, Palestinian embroidery and Dabke dancing on the Brisbane Corso at Yeronga.
We were graced by the presence of some of the original riders from ten years ago, who came to send us off early in the morning. We then set out on our 20-kilometre Half River Loop along the historic Maiwar (Brisbane River), through the unceded lands of the Yuggera and Turrbal peoples, taking in the river and its environment before returning to John Walker Place for the finale.
There we listened to a speaker from Justice for Palestine, including Remah Naji, who told the story of a Palestinian man waiting for food in Gaza with an empty plate. It was a terrible reminder of the suffering of Palestinians, now facing flooding and displacement in a devastated landscape, brought about by the actions of Israel and the complicity of the United States and its allies.
The MC and photographer Lachlan Hurse tried to draw the parallel between Australia, Cuba and Spain where in the latter two countries there is full support from government; yet here, in Australia, the foreign Minister and prime minister remain captives of the United States and Israel.
It is heartening to see that between 30 and 40 percent of Jewish people in the United States recognise what is happening in Gaza as genocide. Full marks to those people who have challenged deeply entrenched Zionist ideology, religious and political conditioning in which they have been immersed, and have had the courage to speak out against the genocide of Palestinians. It is also heartening to see social movements around the world coming out against the war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank.
The significance of Palestine as a political issue has become increasingly clear in the United States, particularly in the election results this week. The Republican Party and its president, Donald Trump, have suffered an electoral setback. In my view, the question of Palestine — not just Iran — has contributed to that failure. The same fate that be fell the Biden democratic administration has now fallen upon the guillotine has now fallen on Trump now a crazed desperate reyarded ape looking for a way out of a presidency that he destroyed.
Nor should we overlook the wider resistance in Arabia, including Ansar Allah in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon, whose military actions have provided support and cover for the Palestinians in their resistance to Israel.
Above all, we must recognise the sumud of the Palestinian people in Gaza — their extraordinary steadfastness in the face of bombardment, starvation, displacement and the destruction of their homes, hospitals and communities. Despite everything that has been inflicted upon them, they have refused to surrender their identity, their history or their claim to their homeland.
It is this steadfastness, together with the growth of international solidarity, that has kept Palestine at the centre of world politics and increasingly challenged the political establishments that have supported Israel.
Yet the political establishment and its wealthy supporters remain largely unmoved. The CEOs of mining companies and big business line up behind politicians who shelter in their own castles of privilege, wealth and excess. Even on our Half River Loop, we could see evidence of the enormous inequalities in our society.
There is a sickness in a society that can allow such a genocide to continue while politicians, fearful of their own shadows, refuse to act.
But there is another side to this story: the growing strength of the movement for Palestine.
Ten years ago, when we first began the Big Ride for Palestine, it was difficult to attract the level of support we now see on the streets every day. Today, when people see a bicycle carrying the Palestinian flag, they call out “Free Palestine!” from their cars, from their bicycles and from the roadside.
It is wonderful to be out on the streets, loud and proud for Palestine.
This year’s participation in Magan-djin matched the enthusiasm of those early rides before COVID, when we used to cycle all the way to Byron Bay. That was a different era. The movement has grown enormously since then.
Nationally, in this tenth anniversary year, 58 riders have participated in the campaign, raising between $25,000 and $30,000 for Palestine over three weeks. Brisbane has once again demonstrated the strength of its solidarity movement.
Some people might scoff at raising between $25,000 and $30,000 over three weeks. But bear in mind what that money can achieve. Funds raised through the Big Ride for Palestine can help restore university education in Gaza, where Israel’s destruction of educational institutions has been devastating.
Palestinians are among the most highly educated peoples in the world, with a deep commitment to education, scholarship and learning. The destruction of their universities, schools and libraries is not simply the destruction of buildings. It is an assault on the intellectual and cultural life of an entire people.
Helping Palestinians restore their universities, even under the most difficult circumstances, is therefore an important act of solidarity. Every dollar raised contributes to the struggle to preserve education, knowledge and the future of Palestinian society.
A special feature of the finale was the participation of Palestinian women displaying their beautiful traditional tatreez embroidery, including work associated with an intifada dress that is to be unveiled soon. Tatreez is a centuries-old Palestinian embroidery tradition, preserving Palestinian identity, history and culture through intricate patterns and designs. The so-called special envoy for anti-semitism Gillian Segal has relentlessly pursued one of the protagonists of this cultural form.
Alongside the Dabke dancing of All Zaytoun, their contribution brought Palestinian cultural traditions to life and reminded us of the importance of preserving that culture in the face of dispossession and destruction.
A special thank you to everyone who made this possible: Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA, the women’s riding group from Eight Mile Plains and Calamvale, whose participation was a tremendous effort, Labor Friends of Palestine, Palestine Fair Trade Australia, Justice for Palestine Magan-djin, the women who brought their embroidery, and all the volunteers, supporters and donors.
And what a wonderful way to finish, with Dabke dancing and the participation of so many people celebrating Palestinian culture and resistance.
Our thanks also go to everyone who donated to the campaign. The money raised will support Palestinians in Gaza through the Big Ride’s fundraising partners.
The Big Ride for Palestine Australia has now completed its tenth year. We have come a long way since those early rides to Byron Bay, and the solidarity movement is stronger than ever.
Until our next ride, thank you to everyone who rode, walked, danced, swam, embroidered, spoke, organised, donated and stood with Palestine.
Free Palestine!
