HUNDREDS of people gathered in Bradford city centre today to see off a group of riders travelling to Manchester as part of a Free Palestine rally in the north.
The event, a solidarity walk and ride organised by Friends of Al-Aqsa, began in Bradford this morning and will see the riders stopping off at Halifax (Jamia Mosque Madni) and Rochdale (Wardleworth Community Centre), eventually reaching Manchester's Piccadilly Gardens later today.
A large group of people walked from Lister Park in Manningham to Centenary Square, chanting Free Palestine along the way, before a number of speeches took place. The groups of cyclists set off from City Park to Manchester at just after 10am today. They are expected to arrive in Manchester at around 5pm.
A total of 50 riders from all backgrounds from Bradford, Manchester, Sheffield, Batley and Dewsbury gathered in Centenary Square to take part. These included Councillor Taj Salam (Lab, Little Horton) and former Bradford East MP David Ward.
Mr Ward said: "It's about promoting and making people aware of it. It's an important issue."
Speakers at the event included Bradford Council leader, Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Bradford East MP Imran Hussain and Bradford West MP Naz Shah. Dr Ismail Patel, founder of friends of Al-Aqsa, also spoke to the crowd which gathered in City Park.
Mr Hussain said: "On days like this, I'm proud to be a Bradfordian because Bradfordians have a history of standing up and calling out injustice wherever that happens.
"We stand united with cities up and down this country to call out injustice as injustice.
"We welcome the ceasefire, but ceasefires will not end the brutality that the Palestinians face."
Ms Shah said: "We are playing our part.
"Just because the ceasefire is here, does not mean it has all stopped. We need to make sure we keep the pressure on Israel.
"We're with the people of Palestine. We must continue to raise awareness."
Cllr Hinchcliffe said: "The loss of life we have seen has been heartbreaking and shocking. It just makes you weep.
"We want everybody to live in peace without fear.
"Peace is so hard fought, but is easily lost.
"This event is showing Bradford in a positive light today.
"We wish everyone taking part the best for the ride to Manchester."
In 2017, following the Manchester MEN Arena bombings that killed 22 innocent people, a group of 100 cyclists completed a bike ride from Bradford to Manchester to show as a tribute.
Over £6,000 has already been raised for the non-profit Friends of Al Aqsa who fight for complete justice in Palestine and have been at the forefront of the pro-Palestinian movement in the UK.
To donate, go to foa.org.uk/fundraise/ride-for-palestine
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