In a stirring display of unity and determination, the Palestinian Cyclists Forum – From the Sea to the Mountain set off amid an atmosphere of excitement and pride. The event brought together more than 200 cyclists from across the Palestinian governorates, including participants from the ’48 occupied territories — Galilee, Akko, Hebron, Nablus, Jenin, Jerusalem, Ramallah, and Bethlehem. Their inspiring message carried one powerful slogan:
“There are no borders to our cycling path… we are people striving for a dignified life in our homeland.”
Organized under the “Cycling Palestine” initiative by Sharek Youth Forum, in partnership with cycling teams from across Palestine and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the event took place in the Jerusalem desert and at Al Nabi Musa Shrine — where athletic spirit met a deeply human and national mission.
The route began at Al Nabi Musa Shrine, stretching south through Jerusalem desert before looping back after covering long distances across rugged yet breathtaking desert terrain. Despite the heat and challenging landscape, participants radiated pride and belonging, embodying through their journey the unity of land and people — from the sea to the mountain.
The forum carried a profound message of hope and resilience: that Palestine remains united despite walls and barriers, and that its youth can transform sport into a language of peace, dignity, and life.
Palestinian cyclists showed that no restriction of movement imposed by the occupation can break the bond between the people of one homeland, proving that willpower triumphs over division and adversity.
From the early hours of dawn, cyclists from every corner of Palestine gathered with unmatched enthusiasm and passion.
It was an unforgettable scene — dozens of teams and young people holding their bicycles high, united by one goal: to make Palestine both the path and the message.
This remarkable turnout and strong commitment reflected a genuine spirit of belonging, transforming the forum into a moving national celebration — alive with energy, purpose, and pride — from the sea to the mountain.
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A Promise to Continue
The Palestinian Cyclists Forum – From the Sea to the Mountain concluded at the Nabi Musa Shrine in an atmosphere of joy, pride, and national unity. The closing moments featured group photos, national chants, and heartfelt expressions of determination and hope.
In a powerful and emotional moment, all participants gathered around a single slogan:
“Sports are life… and we meet to rise.”
The event wrapped up with a collective pledge to make the forum an annual tradition — a unifying journey bringing Palestinians together from north to south, sending a clear message to the world: that Palestine is alive and steadfast, and that the Palestinian bicycle has become a symbol of freedom, dignity, and the enduring spirit of people who never stop moving forward.
