British Mick Bowman arrived in the city of Jericho in the occupied West Bank, after walking more than 2,700 kilometers from Europe, as an expression of his solidarity with the Palestinian cause and to shed light on the plight of refugees.
Bowman, a retired social worker and political consultant, began his journey last April and walked through seven countries: Switzerland, Italy, Albania, North Macedonia, Greece, Turkey and Jordan.
Bowman (65 years old) said: “I am doing this to raise awareness of the terrible situation facing Palestinians and refugees,” according to Reuters.
He added: “I believe that this trip is very important, especially at this time, which this year marks the 75th anniversary of the Nakba, which represented the beginning of the exodus of Palestinians from the lands where their ancestors lived for centuries.”
Bowman, who arrived in Jericho last Thursday, explained that the Nakba has been going on for 75 years. It is a shame, so the timing is very important.
Regarding the challenges he faced during his long journey on foot from Europe to the Middle East, Bowman pointed to the heat waves that struck Europe this summer, during which temperatures reached more than 40 degrees Celsius, in addition to other challenges.
Regarding his feelings after his arrival in the Palestinian territories after that long journey on his feet, Bowman said: “I feel two things, relief indeed, because as I said, I walked a long distance and I am tired now. My legs are tired and I think I need to rest, but I am also relieved. I breathed a sigh of relief, meaning that I was worried.” “Really, I might not be able to get in.”
He said: “I thought that the Israeli checkpoint might prevent me from entering, so I am very relieved that I succeeded in entering the Palestinian territories.”
He said, “It is one thing to be satisfied. The other thing is that I am very happy to be here. I have been to Palestine several times before. I love the place, I love the people, I love Jericho, and I have some things I want to do here.”
He added: “I am very happy that I finally did it and will meet old comrades and friends.”
Bowman is expected to meet with friends and organizations while he is in the Palestinian territories to discuss with them how he can help their cause.
