GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Forty-two people started on a 75-mile march from Grand Rapids to Lansing Thursday, calling for an end to what they describe as genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The protesters plan to walk through small communities across West Michigan over several days, maintaining what organizers say will be an average of 40 to 50 participants daily.
"We are walking 75 miles to Lansing to protest the genocide against Palestinians, to bring the issue of the genocide to small communities in West Michigan, to raise the plight of children in Palestine who have disproportionate burdens on them," said Emerson Wolfe, co-chair of Palestine Solidarity Grand Rapids.
Wolfe says the demonstration, called the "March Against Genocide," aims to raise both awareness and funds for Palestinian children through two beneficiary organizations: Heal Palestine and Playgrounds for Palestine. Wolfe explained the issue is urgent and deeply personal.
"This is the moral issue of our time," said Wolfe "We have members in our group who have been active since the '80s against apartheid in Gaza, in Palestine."
The marchers also expressed frustration with U.S. foreign policy.
"I'm a taxpayer in the United States, and my money is going to fund this genocide, this holocaust, against the Palestinian people. It's immoral and it's wrong," Wolfe said.
Organizers say they chose to walk through smaller communities to bring attention to the conflict beyond major urban centers.
The event spans several days. Thursday, the walkers will cover about 18 miles to Lowell. Friday, they'll continue for 16.4 miles to Ionia. On Saturday, they will walk 15.3 miles to Portland, followed by 14 miles to Grand Ledge on Sunday. The final leg, a 10-mile walk to Lansing, is scheduled for Monday, where they plan to host a rally at the state capitol.
