‘We skate on the rooftops of damaged buildings’: a day in the life of a skateboarder in Gaza
As the war in Gaza approaches its fourth year, the Guardian follows five ordinary Palestinians as they go about their lives. Each tells the story of their day, revealing the terrible toll of the conflict. Rajab al-Reefi teaches children to skate to ‘bring some joy’, but finding boards and safe spaces is a daily challenge
TL;DR
- Rajab al-Reefi, a skateboard instructor in Gaza, describes his daily life under the ongoing conflict and Israeli siege.
- Daily challenges include obtaining water, finding work as a photographer, and a severe lack of skateboards, which are banned by Israel.
- Despite the destruction of their skatepark and salvaged equipment, Rajab perseveres in teaching children to skate in makeshift spaces like damaged rooftops.
- He emphasizes the importance of skateboarding for children's emotional well-being and expresses astonishment that basic skateboards cannot be imported.
- The evening is spent with family, managing anxiety caused by ongoing bombing and ensuring children feel safe.