Skateboarding means the world to skaters from everywhere. Skating is a radical, inclusive, and interconnected community with a philosophy of Fuck You to anyone who tells us what to do, how to live, or where we can skate. 

It’s a small world in skateboarding but also a spread out one with some skaters not being able to leave their nations, struggling to get boards and supplies into their borders, and battling for recognition from the big international brands and organisations. I was fortunate enough to get a chance to ask Rajab Al-Reefi, founder of the Gaza Skate Team in Palestine, some questions about his crew and the rad tricks they’re putting down on the other side of the world.

Who are you, where are you from, and how did you start skating?  

I am Rajab Al-Reefi, from Gaza City. I started skating through my Italian friends who came to Gaza.

How does skating affect you? 

Skating is one of the most beautiful things I do in my life because it gives me a sense of freedom, especially since I live in the world’s largest prison. 

How does skating help the people of Gaza?  

Through our work in providing skateboarding lessons, we help them release negative energy and relieve the psychological pressure they carry inside. 

Do you have skate parks in Gaza? 

We had a park at Gaza Port, but it was destroyed for a government project before the ongoing war on Gaza. Now, there’s a park in the far north of Gaza near the border areas. It’s a beautiful, large park, but it has been severely damaged due to the war, which has destroyed everything. 

What are the biggest obstacles to skating in Gaza?  

The lack of skateboarding equipment, safety gear, and suitable skate spots after the destruction of the skate parks. 

Who is your favourite skater and why? 

Tony Hawk, because he has a long history in skating, is an amazing person, and provides a lot of information and tips about skating. 

Do you skate with your right or left foot?

With my right foot. 

Which is better: skating on ramps or in the streets, and why? 

I love skating on ramps, but in Gaza, we’re forced to skate in the streets and on the rubble of our homes.

Which is better: kickflip or heel flip? 

Both, but I prefer kickflips.

How many skaters are there in Gaza? 

At first, the number was very small, but over time it grew, thanks to the continued efforts we’re making. We provide free skateboarding lessons and programs, which motivates people to skate.

How do you organise and support the skate scene in Gaza? 

Through donations and support from people via the links in our profiles. 

Do you have connections with skaters in the West Bank? 

[Yes, of course! They always stay in touch and invite us. Our closest friend is (Aram). 

How can New Zealand and global brands support skating in Gaza? 

Currently, by donating through the links on our Instagram page, sharing the links, and trying to bring in skateboarding equipment. 

How can international events, organisations, and competitions support skating in Gaza? 

By supporting skating here as they do anywhere else in the world. 

How can readers in New Zealand support the Gaza skate team? 

Anyone reading this report can help in any way they can. 

Any final words for the students of New Zealand?  

My message to everyone: I hope you always speak about us. Thank you all, and a special thanks to you for reaching out and writing this report. 

Nexus has so much love and respect for the Gaza Skate Team and couldn’t thank them enough for letting us share their story. The Gaza crew have the motto “We won’t stop”, and we – the international skate community and you lucky enough to be reading this – can’t ever fucking let them. Pull up @gaza_skate_team on Instagram and share their shredding as much as you can. You can donate to @skatepal on paypal for skate supplies and skate repair costs in Gaza, but make sure you add a message that it is for Gaza Skate Team. Rajab and his brother also have a gofundme for their father as he has heart and kidney complications. Due to the malnutrition and lack of medical treatment available in Gaza, the Al-Reefi brothers are fundraising to provide their father the care he needs in Greece. Getting someone out of Gaza is very expensive so any help could save his life. 


Never Stop Skating Gaza