By BOB SANDERS
Ride Against War in Gaza (RAW GAZA) will take off on a literal whirlwind two-wheel two-week tri-state 700-mile cycling tour through Northern New England — stopping in all the state capitals and largest cities in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine — to protest the devastation and mass killings in Gaza.
This will be a solo unsupported ride by Bob Sanders, a 69-year-old Jewish retired reporter, though others are welcome to join. Bob is a founder of Not In My Name, NH a group of 86 Jewish residents who signed a letter calling for ceasefire in Gaza. He is also founder of BikingOLD (BOLD), and plans to do another RAW GAZA tour from New Hampshire to Washington DC to visit his representatives and Senators in September as well as a cross country ride in 2025, the 50th anniversary of when he did the trek in college.
The purpose of this RAW GAZA ride is to raise awareness of the horror of slaughter and the injustice of what is going on in Gaza and the West Bank, and especially reach Jews who oppose Israel’s policies. It will also raise money for humanitarian aid for Gaza and local peace organizations, through donations for the ride and events in cities and towns along the route.
The first event will be a breakfast bagel send-off from NH State House in Concord NH at the corner of Main and Park Street, at 7:30 to 8:30 am on June 17. (Media invited)
RAW GAZA supports:
An immediate and sustainable ceasefire and release of all hostages.
Suspend all unrestricted military aid for Israel.
Increased humanitarian aid through UNRWA, the United Nation agency that has been distributing such aid for years.
Support the international investigation of war crimes against Hamas and Israel.
Oppose all discrimination against Jews and Muslims but stop using false charges of antisemitism to quell criticism against Israel.
The Ride is supported so far by Jewish Voice for Peace VT/NH, NH Veterans for Peace, and the New Hampshire Peace Action Educational Fund. Those who wish to donate can do so at the Peace Action donation page on their website. Just put RAW GAZA in the note field.
Here is a map of the route and a tentative timeline.
Mon 6/17 Leave Concord Bagel breakfast send off, 7:30—8:30 AM at the NH State House (Then ride to Sunapee)
Tues 6/18 Ride to Hanover/Lebanon area (Staying in Norwich, VT)
Wed 6/19 Ride to Montpelier, VT
Thurs 6/20 Ride to Burlington, VT
Fri 6/21 Bike to friend’s place (near Plattsburg, NY)
Sat 6/22 Day off, Hang out with friends
Sun 6/23 Ride to near Stowe VT
Mon 6/24 Ride to St Johnsbury VT
Tues 6/25 Ride to Berlin/Gorham, NH
Wed 6/26 Ride to Lewiston, ME
Thurs 6/27 Ride to Augusta ME
Fri 6/28 Ride to Portland ME
Sat 6/29 Ride to Dover, NH
Sun 6/30 (go through Durham, NH in the morning) then ride to Manchester, NH
Mon 7/1 Ride to Concord, NH. Will arrive before noon.