Rajab al-Reefi, a 30-year-old leader of Gaza's skate club, has spent the past decade teaching children to skate. But the Israeli siege blocks skateboards from entering the territory, and the club's last board broke months ago. Now, Rajab and his group salvage boards from bombed homes, risking unexploded ordnance, to keep the sport alive for about 40 children who gather at the YMCA.
A day begins with water and work
Rajab wakes early to fetch water for his family, as water trucks no longer reach his area because drivers fear the risks near the yellow line, a border controlled by Israel. He lives about 30 metres from the line, and daily-use water arrives only once a week.
After breakfast, he takes his children to kindergarten, then works as a photographer when opportunities arise, as skateboarding activities are mostly suspended. He also posts on social media to draw attention to the cause.
Salvaging boards from rubble
When the war began, Rajab left his skateboards with children he trained, fearing for the equipment in his area. Some houses were bombed with the boards inside, and only a small amount remained. The group tried repairs, even producing fuel from old car tyres, but eventually the boards wore out.
After the last board broke, the group contacted children who still had equipment, searching under rubble with bare hands. They found some boards, despite the danger of unexploded ordnance, and now have a few repaired boards.
Skating on rooftops and missile casings
In the afternoon, Rajab walks with his son through rubble to the YMCA, where children practise until sunset. The old skate park was demolished for tents, so they use the YMCA courtyard, open areas along the seaport, and rooftops of damaged buildings. They do tricks in the rubble, sometimes on empty missile casings, and post them online.
Rajab says the goal is to bring joy to children and show that skateboarding still exists in Gaza. He has lost children he trained and the places he dreamed of building, and the absence of skateboarding has made him more irritable. He finds it astonishing that in 2026 no one can bring in a simple wooden skateboard.
Evening anxiety and a main goal
In the evening, Rajab and his family feel anxious because of bombing and aircraft sounds. He tries to reassure his children, telling them the bombing is far away and they are safe. His main goal is to help children release negative emotions from the war and ensure skateboarding continues in Gaza.
