Follow the Women Program parade arrives in Bethlehem Monday

April 16, 2007
by George Rishmawi - IMEMC

A group of nearly 120 women from different parts of the world riding their bikes arrived in Bethlehem today to show solidarity with the Palestinian people.

The international cyclists are joined by some Palestinian cyclists, members of the Palestinian Cycling Club. The group entered Palestine on Sunday coming from Jordan after visiting Lebanon and Syria on their bikes.

The cyclists arrived in the town of Beit Sahour, where they were received by a crowd of the residents including the Mayor and the members of the municipal council.Michaelle Awad, one of the coordinators of the program which was organized by Siraj Center for Holy Land Studies said this program is one of many to be organized in Palestine that include international coming to show solidarity with the Palestinian people who have been living under occupation since nearly 40 years.

Follow the Women is an international movement comprised of approximately 300 ordinary women, from as many as 30 different countries, who support peace and an end to violence in the Middle East.

The group aims at raising awareness of how the current situation in the Middle East affects the lives of women and children in the region, and to show solidarity towards women in the region, and bring an end to violence and suffering in the region. In addition, increase support networks between women all around the world.