Skating their way through a conflict zone

As war rages between Israel and Hamas and the number of children killed in Palestine continues to rise, a group of Irish and British volunteers have arrived in the conflict-ridden country and are about to undertake an unusual but inspiring project that aims to enhance the lives of young people who call Palestine home.

Last year, a group of architects and skateboarding enthusiasts joined forces to start a project called SkatePAL, with the goal of building three new timber skateparks in Palestine. One of the architects working on the project is Kevin Loftus, a recent graduate from Co Mayo, alongside Down native, James McConville, and the project’s director, Charlie Davis, from Scotland. They have been planning, designing and fundraising for the skateparks for over a year.

Currently starting construction work in the village of Zebabdeh in the West Bank, Kevin arrived in the country a week ago when tensions in Gaza were at an all-time high and the security situation in the West Bank “volatile”.

Kevin briefing us about the skatepak design in Zebabdeh -- things are trucking along nicely now! pic.twitter.com/449UuIOQiq

— SkatePal (@skate_pal) July 21, 2014

Since Kevin arrived, rather than worry about safety, he has found that he is more determined than ever to complete the project. A few nights ago, he met a 16-year-old teenager who showed him photographs on his phone of him lifting his friend over his shoulder. He had just been shot by an Israeli soldier after they were rioting and throwing stones on the street. His friend was just 14.

In Palestinian villages there are frequent riots, and although he has not yet experienced any clashes first-hand, Kevin says he can understand how this happens — the children and teenagers in these places don’t have much else to do. Everywhere is so densely populated that there is little or no recreational space for children to play.

In Palestine, where land is precious and more Palestinian buildings mean more territory, Kevin notices that lots of the houses are unfinished and unoccupied. Local people have informed him that this is down to lack of jobs. According to statistics, unemployment is at 28.6% and is at its highest among youths aged 20-24 at 43.9%.

“A young person I was talking to works for£6 a day and that is the standard. Through building, even though there isn’t a sustainable demand, they claim land. It’s a way of creating employment and protecting their land.”

All this confirms to SkatePAL that what they are doing in Palestine is important. Regardless of the risks being there may pose, a skatepark can offer young people a novel and entertaining distraction.

Some of the gear donated for the kids! pic.twitter.com/rYESz3KeMm

— SkatePal (@skate_pal) July 17, 2014

SkatePAL’s founder Charlie Davis was inspired to start the project when he went to Palestine to teach English with a skateboard in tow. He discovered that the local children were fascinated by skating and seemed to get a real kick out of trying it. Inspired by their interest, he returned again with the aim of building skateparks and teaching children how to skate.

First informal skate lesson, the kids found us out at the hostel! pic.twitter.com/RSLEkh05V2

— SkatePal (@skate_pal) July 22, 2014

The project has slowed down because of the situation in Gaza. Amid safety concerns, many of those that committed to help with the construction have decided against it. The leaders of the project completely understand this, but it means building will take longer and may cost more.

Kevin remains optimistic they will complete all three parks within the next couple of months. He has seen Palestinian youths light up when they see a skateboard — and in a land ravaged by so much destruction, three timber skateparks maycreate carefree havens for some much-needed fun.

To donate to the project: http://skatepal.co.uk/ Follow SkatePAL progress on Twitter: @Skate_PAL