Friends of Al-Aqsa (FOA), a UK-based NGO founded in 1997, combines public education, mass mobilisation, special workshops, and consumer boycotts. Today, it operates continuous digital and on-the-street actions, as well as large public events.

Since October 2023, the UK’s pro-Palestine mobilisation for national protests has been sustained by a standing coalition. FOA has played a leading role in organising thirty national protests in London.

The national marches in London have repeatedly drawn huge crowds, from one hundred thousand to nearly a million. FOA’s volunteer coordination extends reach beyond London, increasing turnout, diversity and political salience. By helping convene and move people at scale, especially from outside London, FOA has become one of the UK’s dependable organisers, sustaining regular national visibility for the cause. Over the past two years, 7 million people have attended the national marches, representing approximately 10 percent of the UK population. In addition, FOA has organised another sixty-one local demonstrations that help spread solidarity for Palestine across the country.

FOA runs year-round boycott actions. Current campaigns include #CheckTheLabel (Israeli produce), #BoycottCocaCola, #BoycottHP and #BoycottReebok. Resources and street action accompany each boycott campaign.

FOA’s persistence and accessible toolkits keep boycott activity in public view and easy to replicate locally. Campaigns have intersected with wider developments, helping normalise consumer activism around Palestine.

Educating the public has been a pivotal goal of FOA, carrying out over 200 events in the past two years. Coordinated events around the globe that empower communities and apply pressure include AqsaWeek, where organisations from over 50 countries participated to build love and appreciation for the heritage of Masjid Al-Aqsa.

FOA also supported the student encampments and remains at the forefront of empowering university students.

FOA hosted national ‘Know Their Names’ events on October 4, in 24 cities, where members of the public read the names of Palestinian children killed over the last two years. This platform allowed the public to express their grief and raise awareness of the genocide.

FOA produces khutbahs, children’s workbooks and short courses on Palestine’s history, used by groups nationwide. Beyond protests, FOA’s events bring on board children, families and students, broadening the constituency engaged with Palestine and equipping them with valuable resources.

Over the past two years, FOA’s campaign to Stop Arming Israel, which includes an email to MPs, has attracted over 100,000 participants. This has accompanied campaigns to demand the release of detainees, end administrative detention and seek an arrest warrant for the Israeli President, who visited London in September 2025.

FOA is a key pillar of the UK’s Palestine solidarity ecosystem, co-organising mass marches, powering local-to-national boycott actions, and curating cultural and educational platforms that widen participation. Its impact is evident, not only in headline-grabbing demonstrations but also in the quieter infrastructure, including leaflets, books, videos, social media, one-on-one meetings, educational tools, and other activities that keep the Palestinian movement coordinated and visible. Such events include the annual Little Steps for Palestine, Freedom Hikes and Annual Solidarity Rides.

FOA seeks to hold those in power accountable, encouraging political involvement through lobby days, at a time when disengagement with the government and politics is on the rise.

The dangers to Palestinians from Israel are growing. Before their total ethnic cleansing, including the destruction of Masjid Al-Aqsa, it is urgent to continue with the work, build a strong solidarity community and help free Palestine.

FOA, which is mainly run by volunteers, needs your continued support and participation. If we are to stop, genocide and injustice triumph and humanity lose. What happens to Palestinians affects all of us. It is our moral duty to act, and with your help and duas, FOA hopes to continue with the struggle until there is justice and Palestine is free.