Iqraa: Running for a Brighter Palestine
UPA has partnered with the Iqraa Running Club since 2008 to raise money for Palestinian students studying at local universities in Palestine and Jordan through UPA’s Mahmoud Darwish Scholarship Fund. Iqraa, which means “read” in Arabic, has trained runners—including beginners—to successfully complete the Baltimore Half-Marathon and the Marine Corps Marathon and 10K.
Iqraa has trained nearly 180 runners to complete their races and raised over $400,000 since 2008. In 2023, Iqraa runners wearing the red and white jersey raised over $31,000 to support Palestinian students.
UPA’s Mahmoud Darwish Scholarship Fund has helped 3,000 Palestinian students realize their dream of higher education and is currently committed to supporting 80 students at 15 universities complete their higher education.
Why Run with Iqraa?
Iqraa’s characteristics include its focus on positive, constructive contributions to awareness raising and the development of Palestinian intellectual capital, its secular and non-political outlook, the diverse background of its runners, including men and women from multiple ethnic and faith traditions, and the camaraderie the team members build as they train together.
Iqraa is a UPA partner and works in collaboration with Marathon Charity Cooperation, which oversees the training and race day programs for its runners. Runners and volunteers participate in both partnerships through Iqraa’s running and fundraising, by hosting and coaching many of the training runs, as well as by staffing the aid stations at several local races during the year. As a result, joining Iqraa is a great opportunity for you to grow stronger in physical fitness, in your ties and contributions to society, and in your friendships.
Join them to reach your goals and theirs: fitness through running and contributing to a great cause!
To learn more about Iqraa, contact Iqraa Coordinator Kirk Campbell via email at kirkcruachan@yahoo.com.
How will the funds raised for United Palestinian Appeal support Palestinian education?
The funds raised by Iqraa go specifically to support the Mahmoud Darwish Scholarship Fund. The Fund (previously University Scholarship Program) has helped over 3000 Palestinian students realize their dream of higher education. UPA awards full degree scholarships that cover a substantial amount of a student’s tuition at leading universities in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Jordan.
Recipients, nominated by universities must demonstrate academic excellence, financial need and a desire to give back to their community and nation. By assisting students to attend local universities, UPA seeks to buttress Palestinian higher education and encourage the development of an independent, sustainable Palestinian economy.
How do I know my money is going to the right place?
UPA is committed to disbursing funds responsibly and efficiently. It also works with capable, credible partner organizations that have demonstrated the ability to accomplish the goal of any UPA-provided grant. UPA is a Four-Star Charity with Charity Navigator, its highest rating, and meets all 20 standards of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise-Giving Alliance. You can more about UPA’s financial history here.
What are UPA’s political positions?
None. UPA is a strictly non-partisan, non-sectarian 501(c)(3) charity.
Learn more about UPA in our FAQ section.
