Tent Schools for Gaza

Anne Jones on her latest cycling fundraiser for Palestine

Most readers of LCW are aware of the situation for Palestinians in the West Bank, particularly Gaza, where the "ceasefire" is regularly broken by the IDF. Watching a film showing children continuing to attend school amid rubble stirred me to get back on my bike, and I am grateful to everyone who supported me in cycling up Alpe d'Huez on May 27, 2026, to raise money for Tent Schools for Gaza through the Amos Trust.

Tent School in Gaza, Amos Trust

Against this tragic backdrop, the experience brought unsurpassable joy. Halfway up the mountain I paused to catch my breath in a camper van. Beside me, my friends Ann, Meg, Trudy and Alaa stood chatting merrily. Behind them towered Col de la Morte, streaked with snow like a comforting presence. I felt riches beyond bank balances or possessions. Hopes, hard work and common purpose had come together. I was enfolded by goodness. Alaa is a young Paralympian cyclist with the Gaza Sunbirds team. His left leg was amputated after an IDF sniper shot him when he was eighteen. Yet he rode effortlessly to the top, then cycled halfway back down to accompany me, shouting with delight, "Go Anne, go Anne, we love you Anne! Viva Palestina!" Alongside Asfour, another Gaza Sunbird who also lost a leg, he revelled in the freedom of cycling these mountains. Before the destruction of Gaza, their training had consisted of cycling the length of the Gaza Strip. Both have families still unable to leave.

Birdsong, waterfalls and the little church of St James in La Garde made the mountain seem a place of peace. At the summit, where friends had waited patiently to cheer us over the finish line, we celebrated together before cycling to the famous Tour de France podium. At 84, I delighted in being photographed there beside genuine professional cyclists. As I cycled home across the dunes towards Dunkirk, I reflected on the countless people whose quiet support had made the ride possible. Over these months I have discovered how many ordinary people are appalled by what they read about Gaza and the West Bank, yet feel powerless. "You are doing this for me. I would if I could," many told me.

Training had not been easy. Lyme disease had drained my strength and arthritis often threatened my resolve, yet encouraging doctors urged me to persevere. I also thought often of how fortunate I have been to grow up in a safe country with opportunities denied to so many others. The tragedy in Gaza remained the reason for every mile. Children are living in tents or among rubble, yet continue their education with remarkable courage. Some have tents in which to learn; others still study in the open while funds are raised. This small act of cycling up a mountain cannot change their circumstances, but it is one way of standing alongside them. I thank everyone who sponsored and supported the ride. Like all good things, I too have been immeasurably rewarded.

Anne M. Jones

Donate: https://tinyurl.com/yr2ju3u3