Hike for Gaza – Every Step is a Duʿā

This summer, I’m climbing Mount Toubkal, the tallest mountain in North Africa, not for a medal, not for adventure, but for Gaza.

I want this climb to be bigger than me.
To raise money.
To raise awareness.
To remind the world: We see you, Gaza. We are with you.

Why I’m Taking on This Challenge

I’ve marched for Gaza.
I’ve posted online.
I’ve donated.

Like so many of us, I’ve grieved from afar. But at some point, I had to ask myself: Is that all I can do?

Is sharing a post enough when children are being pulled from rubble?
When families have lost everything, homes, safety, even their loved ones?

This time, I’m using my own two feet.
30km. 50,000 steps.
Every single one a duʿā.

My Journey with My Salah Mat and Palestine

As the founder of My Salah Mat, I’ve always believed in purposeful action, using our work to make a difference.

Alhamdulillah, with the support of our community, we’ve raised over £30,000 for Palestine. We’ve done this through:

• Publishing children’s books like Train to Al-Aqsa

• Launching Nūr the Watermelon Plushie, inspired by symbols of Palestinian resilience

• Donating 20% of production costs to charity before a single sale

These projects have reached homes all over the world, sparking conversations with children about justice, compassion, and the reality of life in Palestine.

But this time, I wanted to go further. Not in money, in effort.
Because Gaza is not comfortable. And I don’t want to be either.

The People I’m Climbing With

I’m hiking with one of my best friends from primary school and his sister, who organised the entire trip. I couldn’t ask for better company.

Many people in Gaza have lost their friends and family. That reality makes me appreciate my own support system even more, and it’s one more reason I’m doing this.

The Charity We’re Supporting

All funds raised will go to Children Not Numbers, a charity working directly on the ground in Gaza. Right now, they are delivering emergency food baskets to families who have nothing left.

These baskets include essentials like:

• Oil
• Flour
• Lentils
• Vegetables

A donation of £190 could feed a family for 1–2 weeks. But please, give whatever you can, every penny matters.

You can learn more about their work here: childrennotnumbers.org

Donate here: https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/9328/hike-for-gaza/ 

Follow the Journey

I’ll be sharing updates and reflections along the way on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kamalali_official/ 

Because this climb isn’t just for me.
It’s for the mothers.
The fathers.
The children who deserve joy, not trauma.

It’s 50,000 steps for Gaza.
And every single one is a prayer in motion.

If you’d like to stand with Gaza, please consider donating, sharing this campaign, and making duʿā. Together, we can turn footsteps into hope.