MOSCOW, August 26 (RIA Novosti) - A Gaza supporter has created his own version of the wildly popular ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, switching out the bucket’s cold water with rubble and dirt.
“I liked the idea of the ice bucket challenge, so I decided to invent the Palestinian version. We looked for a bucket of water. However, the use of water is more important than to empty it over our heads. And even if water is available, it’s difficult to freeze,” the creator of the challenge, Ayman Aloul, said in a video posted on YouTube.
The challenge is aimed at everyone who sympathizes with the plight of the Palestinian people, he says, adding that his goal is not to collect material aid, but to inspire those who support Palestinians to speak up, especially those who can reach a broad audience.
Several “Rubble Bucket Challenge” pages have emerged on social media since Aloul posted his video on Saturday. On Monday, an event page was created on Facebook, urging people to join a protest in front of the White House on Thursday. Participants plan to show their support for Gaza by pouring sand or dirt over themselves.
"It came to my mind that it's good idea to show the whole picture – how Gaza looks now, rubble, destruction, cement with sand, small rocks," Aloul told NBC news. When discussing the challenge with friends, some suggested he use a bucket of blood or shrapnel instead, he said.
The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, which aims to raise awareness of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease, went viral on social media this summer. A large number of celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates, has taken on the challenge.
The immense popularity of the campaign has inspired several spin-offs, such as the Indian “Rice Bucket Challenge,” which encourages people to give a bucket of rice to someone who needs it or donate to a hunger-relief charity.
