Since 2008, UPA has partnered with the Iqraa running club based in Washington, DC to raise funds for the Mahmoud Darwish Scholarship Fund (formerly the University Scholarship Program). Iqraa has trained over 150 runners and has raised over $230,000 for various education projects.

1. What is Iqraa?

Iqraa means Read in Arabic. It’s the command form: Read! Our slogan imprinted on our running jerseys—which UPA sponsors—is Running for a Brighter Palestine! Everything we stand for is summarized on our jersey. We’re a running group that has partnered with UPA since 2008. We run marathons, half-marathons and a handful of other races to raise funds, so Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza can have better opportunities for education.

2. UPA has partnered with Iqraa for a few years now—what has Iqraa been able to accomplish through this collaboration?

Iqraa is a venue for anyone in the DC area who wants to do something indisputably constructive and positive for Palestinians to step forward and take action. It’s also a means to offer hope by demonstrably providing support. We are providing support because Palestinians like all people everywhere deserve the best education available. People should be free to choose their educational journey. This is what Iqraa stands for and accomplishes through our actions.

3. UPA has changed the name of their University Scholarship Program to the Mahmoud Darwish Scholarship Fund. How do you feel about the change?

UPA gave me a poster of Mahmoud Darwish’s poem, Think of Others. It’s on the wall in my bedroom where I can see it every day. Two verses stand out:  As you sleep and count the stars, think of others (those who have nowhere to sleep) … As you think of others far away, think of yourself (say: if only I were a candle in the dark). These are thoughts we can all have and act upon, to help others and to bring hope to others. I think the affiliation of Darwish’s name to the scholarship program gives it personality and prestige. I hope it makes the scholarship program Iqraa supports more popular.

4. How do you describe UPA to your audience and to new audiences?

UPA is a remarkable organization with a small staff but a big heart, exemplified by its executive director, Saleem Zaru, who personally donates generously every year to each Iqraa runner. I can’t think of a better example of living one’s values. UPA oversees the education programs we support, ensuring the money is well used, as often as possible as an investment in people who will give back to create sustainable assistance. Charity Navigator gives UPA 4 stars, its highest rating.

5. Share some of your favorite memories of running with your Iqraa teammates.

A few years ago, our runner Dina had promised her sponsors that she’d wear high heels when she crossed the finish line of the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) if they’d increase their donations. She ran the race in running shoes and then at the base of the hill leading up to the Iwo Jima memorial, where the MCM finishes, she put on her high heels and climbed right up that hill. That story adds a taste of creativity to running.

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