Laila Boufraine, a longtime UPA supporter, and Iqraa runner, who ran last weekend’s New York City Marathon, recounted her experienced as she traveled from borough to borough.

“The day was sunny and perfect with over 52,000 runners waiting to embark at the start line. I felt a bit anxious knowing my knee pain could potentially be a problem but thankfully, I made it.

The New York City marathon has always been and will always be a great adventure. The people who cheered their hearts out along the way with encouraging words and proud faces was exceptional! From the Verrazano bridge to the endless crossing of the Queensboro, from the gospel groups in Harlem to the Latino rhythm in the Bronx, to finally bravely facing the last 6 miles in Central Park, where a crowd cheers in delirium for you to get to the finish line. New Yorkers were celebrating their city with the runners.

What made the whole race a much-deserved beauty was the T-Shirt I was wearing, being cheered on at mile 20 by my granddaughter Léah Noor, who was also wearing her Iqraa jersey, and finally the 5 runners who gave me high fives chanting with pride ‘Free Palestine!’ They all made my day.

A race and a cause well worth the effort.”

UPA extends its sincerest gratitude to all of the 2018 Iqraa runners who sign up and show up for Palestinian students attending universities in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Your continued support is overwhelming and we look forward to another year of great memories and great strides. Thank you.