It makes my heart so sad to see all the little kids without their legs or arms. I know how hard life can be for them, especially in places going through what Gaza is experiencing. Please, no more children should have to lose their limbs.”

In 1988, when Sha was 13, his hometown was targeted by the deadliest chemical attack in history as part of Saddam Hussein’s brutal military campaign against the Kurdish people. He lost both his legs when a bomb exploded nearby, and due to the subsequent humanitarian crisis, he was unable to access a wheelchair or even crutches whilst recovering. This meant much of his teenage years were spent lying down alongside many other victims of this massacre. Witnessing familiar scenes unfolding in Gaza; unjustified violence alongside heavily restricted supply of basic aid, he is determined to prevent anyone else from experiencing the trauma he has lived through.

At the age of 27, he finally escaped persecution and came to England as a refugee. It was here that he could focus his energy on fitness, getting heavily involved in wheelchair racing and marathons across Europe and America. Now, at the age of 50, he continues his rigorous training in the lead up to his upcoming tour. He can often be found powering up hills around London, with a Palestinian flag and Union Jack waving behind him. This represents a profound symbol of unity and a gesture of appreciation to this country that supported him, but now turns its back on the victims of war crimes it facilitates.

After departing from Glasgow, he will spend the first month travelling through the UK. After that he will cross Europe to Greece where he will catch a flight to Lebanon. He will then travel to Gaza via Jordan aiming to arrive in approximately 7 months. He is encouraging as many people as possible to join him in support on his journey, especially politicians.

“I have a message for Mr Keir Starmer, Mr Emmanuel Macron and all the politicians who are saying they want the horrors in Gaza to end. I would like you to join me on my journey, even if it is for two steps, or support me by donating to the people of Gaza.”

A man who risked his life to escape the terrors of war, and now follows his heart to return back and help its victims, appeals to us for donations. As Israeli tanks roll through the remains of Gaza city, destroying everything in their path, it is now more important than ever to support in any way possible. Information and a link to the Gaza Sunbirds can be found below, along with a link to the details of his route. If you are able to donate, offer accommodation, or travel alongside brother Sha for any portion of his journey, it would be greatly appreciated.

GAZA SUNBIRDS

The Gaza Sunbirds is a para-cycling team living through Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip. The team of amputee athletes formed in 2020 with a dream of representing Palestine on the global sporting stage. Forced to give up their training due to Israeli bombardment, they have risked their lives to distribute hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of aid across Gaza. Four team members are now based abroad — two were evacuated last year, and two joined the team after being displaced from Gaza. In 2024, team captain Alaa al-Dali made history as the first Palestinian to ever compete in the UCI Road & Para-Cycling World Championships in Zürich. 

www.gazasunbirds.org

SOLIDARITY RISING

Solidarity Rising is an international human rights organisation that gathers activists from all walks of life together in the struggle for a world where everyone’s rights are respected. We stand in solidarity with occupied people and work every day to advocate, raise awareness and build the global solidarity movement for the common pursuit of justice and freedom for all.

www.solidarityrising.com

To join the ride or support Shaho with accommodation, donations and local connections visit www.linktr.ee/wheeltogaza

www.instagram.com/wheeltogaza/

www.tiktok.com/@wheeltogaza