St. John's University Athletics
Abiola Makes Winter Break Trip To Gaza Strip
4/1/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track and Field
April 1, 2009
QUEENS, N.Y. - St. John's senior Rakibat Abiola, a middle distance runner on the Red Storm cross country, track and field teams, traveled across the Atlantic to do charity work in Israel. Making the trip with other students from schools across New York State in association with the organization, Hillel, Abiola focused mostly on the Ethiopian immigrant communities.
Rakibat began her journey in the city of Netanya, where she helped paint the inside and outside of apartment buildings on a local street.
"We painted as many apartments as we could in the limited amount of time we had." said Abiola "We did this work for about six hours a day, four days in a row."
While in Netanya, she also got the chance to work with the local community.
"We would occasionally get a chance to interact with local residents of this neighborhood. A few of the residents even worked alongside us to help with the painting. Also, we went to various schools to work with children in the local community. We helped out with arts and crafts and taught them American songs."
After leaving Netanya, Rakibat traveled to Jerusalem, the capital of Israel. There, she helped at a second hand clothing store where she gathered and organized clothes, shoes, and other items for the store.
"It was a great time to volunteer with the local communities in Israel. It showed them that other people are there to support them even during such rough times", remarked Abiola, "Showing our support for the Israeli people at such difficult times is what America is all about; working for justice throughout the world."
"We are very proud of Rakibat's commitment to service and appreciate all her hard work in making our team successful," remarked head coach of the Red Storm cross country, track & field teams Jim Hurt.
Currently, Israel is in the midst of the ongoing war over the Gaza Strip. The people and cities have been ravaged by the effects of it.
"It gave me a broader and more profound sense of the world. It also showed me a glimpse of what it is like to live somewhere, not knowing if you are totally safe at home. It made me feel privileged that I actually live in a country where there is no war in my backyard or soldiers going up and down the streets readily on duty."
For Rakibat this was an unforgettable and fulfilling experience.
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