Sam Swartz, WMTV 15, Jul. 20, 2025

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – Dozens of bike riders came together for a six-mile bike ride on Sunday to raise money for humanitarian aid in Gaza.

Riders met at Olin Park in Madison and decorated their bikes with Palestinian flags, colors and symbols before biking along John Nolan Drive toward downtown.

The Madison-Rafah Sister City Project (MRSCP) organized the “Big Ride for Palestine” event, with the proceeds going to the Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA).

MECA is a humanitarian nonprofit that works within Gaza to bring kids and families aid, including food and water.

Sunday marked the second time organizers hosted the event. Rowan Atalla, treasurer for MRSCP, said the event has grown as more people become aware of what is happening overseas.

“More and more people are coming to understand that the situation in Gaza is dire,” he said. “The need for support, especially for humanitarian relief, is extreme.”

The group’s route along John Nolan Drive and Williamson Street is intentional, with the goal of being visible, organizers said.

“It boosts the spirits a little bit to see the attendance and to hear how much money we’ve raised,” Atalla said. “I think that it is important for people who are working to provide support for Palestine to see that you’re not alone in that action.”

At the start of the ride, the total amount of money raised was over $15,000.