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Information about the Bicycle ride taken by 240 women from 24 countries170 miles between Lebanon, Syria, & Jordan to support peace and foster solidarity among women. It is arranged backwards so you will end at the beginning. Enjoy
Jordan
| (April 21).. We were welcomed at the Jordanian border with
music and dancing.
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| (April22).. We rode from the border to Hashemite
University where we were warmly welcomed and given another excellent
banquet.
Before dinner we were entertained by Circassian dancers from the Circassian community in Jordan.. |
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(April 23) .. The journey has ended! We are now in Amman, Jordan following what was the most difficult biking segment of the entire route We were greeted by a brass band with bagpipes. Next will be receptions, banquets and the conference. (April 24 & 25) The conference was excellent. Energized by our ride we used the conference to solidify our plans and brainstorm about the future. Princess Basma (right) gave an excellent speech about women's rights that expressed what we all hope. Follow the Women is collecting donations to fund a counseling / support center for Palestinian youth and women. (More information at the end of this page.) |
Syria
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 (April 19) We rode 49 miles. Our longest single distance. We started at the Lebanese/Syrian border. The Syrians greeted us with billboards and cheers. Madam Assad (above) met with us outside Damascus.
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( April 20) We rode to Busra a beautiful town that
encompasses an excellent ruin. We were greeted by welcoming citizens
as we rode past. It was an overwhelming experience.
(April21) We slept
in long tents and toured the ruins before starting on our ride to the
Syrian/Jordanian border.
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Lebanon
 (April 16) We were greeted upon arrival by the Progressive Youth Organization. They worked around the clock to make our stay a worthwhile experience. (April 17) We were bused to South Lebanon to tour an abandoned abandoned Israeli prison in South Lebanon. (right) |
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(April 18) They closed the streets while we
rode through Beirut. That night we dined and danced in splendor above the
city.
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Conclusion: This was an incredible experience. The ride was joyful, full of dancing and caring. As we rode we talked and began to understand each other as fellow women, not European, Mid Eastern or American but fellow travelers who dream of peace with justice in a tumultuous area. Together we experienced Arab hospitality at its best. These three countries who have experienced first hand the pain and upheaval of civil unrest gladly supported our ride because they understood how important Peace is and how difficult it can be to attain. There will be no true peace in the Mid East until there is a just and compassionate answer for the Palestinians. This is not just an Arab dilemma or an Israeli crisis. America and Europe are also accountable for this dilemma. As long as there is an "us" and "them" with us considering ourselves right there will be no true peace. "The spirit of democracy cannot be established in the midst of terrorism whether governmental or popular." Mahatma Gandhi |
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Girl in
traditional dress
