The Team
Gaza Parkour
Gaza Parkour is the first team to practice parkour in Palestine. One of the first teams to appear in the Arab world, Gaza Parkour was established in 2005 after the withdrawal of the Israeli army from the Gaza Strip. Founders Abdullah Anshasi and Muhammed Aljkhbeir were inspired by a documentary titled Jump Londo” that aired on Al-Jazeera TV. At the time, Parkour was a relatively unknown and uncommon activity in the Middle East. It has since gained momentum, especially amongst refugee camp youths.
Parkour, also known as “free running,” is a style of acrobatic traversing through physical obstacles to reach an endpoint while using no additional aid or equipment. The team practices in a former Israeli factory that was abandoned in 2005. It is currently in a state of ruin from shelling. The team would like to train elsewhere, but overpopulation in Gaza has caused residents to utilize and inhabit most structures. Other than the run-down facility, the team also trains in rubble-filled structures outside of the Khan Younis refugee camp and
in the neighbouring cemetery.
Physical obstacles aren’t the only barriers the team has been forced to overcome. The political climate also brings its own set of challenges and dangers in Gaza with war and the occupation. Despite the physical and political barriers the team has faced, Gaza Parkour has grown to 15 members and aspires to continue growing and to teach their sport to the disadvantaged youths of Gaza through Wallrunners.
Learn more about Gaza Parkour by following the team: Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter
The Characters
Ahmad Matar
One summer day in 2017, after applying almost six times, Ahmad receives his Schengen Visa. He can finally now access Europe and participate in the upcoming Parkour championship in Sweden. Ahmad goes to the checkpoint along with his father, waiting a whole day and night. By morning, Ahmad has crossed to the other side.
When Ahmad first arrives to Sweden, he lives a suburban life not unlike his life in Gaza. Ahmad now spends half of his time commuting. His foster family is of great support. They help him progress beyond his dreams. His work finally takes him to the city. His upcoming major championship is taking place in Malmo.
From afar, Ahmad constantly looks for ways to maintain Parkour in Gaza. He works with sponsors on funding a proper Parkour training location in Gaza. The highlight of his days is when he, Abdulla and Jihad update each other via Messenger. He also works on securing a championship invitation for Abdullah and Jihad who, from their side, keep applying for visas hoping to be granted a way out.
Ahmad is Co-Founder of Wallrunners, an inclusive sports and education community in Gaza, empowering children to overcome physical and mental barriers through parkour.