The bicycle convoy will meet the Bil’in popular committee this Friday to join the demonstrations against Israel’s illegal separation wall and occupation of Palestinian land.

The group has been exchanging seeds with communities along their route and is working with Palestinian farmers to pass on the ‘seed bank of solidarity’.

Abdullah Abu Rahma of the Bil’in popular committee who invited PEDAL said, “By Palestinians, Israelis and internationals standing in solidarity and taking grassroots action- we can end Israel’s illegal occupation.”

‘PEDAL – 100 days to Palestine’ have traversed 18 countries linking communities fighting social injustice and responding to the Palestinian civil society call for Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions in 2005.

The group of food growers, journalists and community workers has taken part in BDS international days of action and ran educational workshops about the campaign.

British food grower William Ronan added, “We are working with the BDS movement, popular committees and dissenting Israeli organizations to challenge Israel’s illegal actions. This way we can actively support the Palestinian struggle for equal rights in the face of apartheid, colonization and occupation.”

The cyclists began organizing the solidarity journey after Israeli commandos killed nine people in the storming of a Gaza aid boat in international waters last year.

With the Freedom Flotilla 2 and the Welcome to Palestine “Fly-in” actions in recent weeks, the cyclists’ arrival adds to mounting pressure from global civil society for Israel to comply with international law and Palestinian rights.

PEDALler Jen Peachey said, “We have seen governments around the world actively colluding with Israel’s illegal occupation and blockade of Gaza, whether it’s through US military aid, UK diplomatic silence or Greek coast guards blocking the Flotilla.  Where states fail ordinary people will stand up.”

F.R.