Gaza Children Find Joy in Seaside Pools Amidst War

Swimming classes have resumed in Gaza, offering hundreds of children a respite from years of conflict. Five makeshift sea pools, constructed from sandbags and rubble, have been created on the beaches of central Gaza. These pools provide a crucial opportunity for girls and boys to experience a semblance of childhood, offering an escape from the constant fear, destruction, and lack of educational facilities. Many children have endured immense trauma, with a significant portion feeling their death is imminent, according to a UN survey.

The initiative was established by Amjed Tantesh, who mobilized dozens of volunteers to build the pools by hand. The program offers free morning classes for children who have lost parents in Israeli attacks, with afternoons open to all. For participants like 13-year-old Alma Shabat, swimming is a chance to escape worries and fear, allowing her to enjoy the sea and make new friends. The project aims to provide physical and mental healing in an environment where formal schooling has been absent for three years, and most school buildings are damaged or destroyed.

Despite the challenges, including a lack of funding and machinery, Tantesh hopes to teach thousands more children this summer. The project is also a personal tribute to his brother, Bahjat, a karate champion killed in an Israeli attack. Tantesh's original academy, founded over two decades ago, was inspired by Palestine's Olympic debut and the tragic drownings of children at sea due to lack of swimming skills and lifeguards. The current effort rebuilds on past successes, offering a much-needed sense of recovery and happiness to both the children and Tantesh himself.