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A 16-year-old Palestinian skateboarder, Rimas Dellul, has turned her passion into a way to cope with war while helping other displaced children find brief relief from daily hardship.
Dellul first received a skateboard at the age of nine, a gift that would later take on deeper meaning as conflict reshaped her life. Years after learning to ride, she found herself repeatedly displaced and grieving the loss of friends and fellow skaters.
As the war intensified, skateboarding shifted from a hobby into a personal refuge. It became a way to push through emotional strain while holding on to a sense of normalcy.
Despite her family’s concerns over safety, Dellul continued going to Yarmouk Stadium, where many displaced families had taken shelter. There, other children began to gather around her, drawn to the activity.
Over time, she started training them regularly. She explained that with schools no longer functioning, children were turning to skateboarding as an alternative way to spend their time, noting that they would normally be in classrooms but now come to learn skating instead.
Dellul described skateboarding as a temporary escape for children living under constant stress. The activity helps them momentarily forget the sound of bombardment and the uncertainty surrounding them, offering a brief sense of relief.
Her message reflects the intensity of the situation, as she said, "Even if you are going to die, do what you love. Keep working until the very end.”
Like many children in Gaza, Dellul’s education has been disrupted. She expressed hope that once the war ends, she will be able to resume her studies, secure a scholarship, and continue her education abroad.
Children across Gaza have faced severe disruptions to their daily lives, including limited access to education and basic stability, as conflict and blockade conditions continue to shape their environment.
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