High above Jerusalem's crowds, skating the Old City rooftops

A Palestinian youth jumps with his skateboard on a rooftop as the Dome of the Rock located on the compound known to Muslims as Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as Temple Mount is seen in the background, as Israel partially lifts its third national lockdown to fight the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis, in Jerusalem's Old City February 7, 2021. REUTERS/Ammar Awad

High above Jerusalem's narrow medieval alleyways, teenage Palestinians sped across whitewashed roofs and soaked up the light and space denied to them during a six-week Israeli COVID-19 lockdown.

A small handful who lived in the Old City were able to practise their moves long before the spice merchants below reopened their doors. They were joined after the lockdown eased by a couple of dozen friends from other parts of East Jerusalem who relished the chance to release pent-up frustrations.

A Palestinian youth skateboards as Israel partially lifts its third national lockdown to fight the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis, at a skate park in Jerusalem February 7, 2021. REUTERS/Ammar Awad

"During coronavirus (lockdown) we weren’t able to go out and skate or do anything," said Baha’Shweiki, 17, from the al-Turi neighbourhood. "We have been waiting every day to get the opportunity to go out."

With few training resources and little space in East Jerusalem, most learn their skills from YouTube.

But the rooftops are rutted and they often tumble over ventilation shafts and guttering.

An aerial view shows people at a skate park as Israel partially lifts its third national lockdown to fight the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis, in Jerusalem February 7, 2021. Picture taken February 7, 2021. Picture taken with a drone. REUTERS/Ammar Awad

So sometimes the group - most boys but with some girls - cross over into West Jerusalem to practise in a purpose-built park used by Israeli skateboarders, with ramps and runs far smoother than they are accustomed to.

"We saw that there are Arabs who skateboard, so we decided to do it too, try it and improve," said Shweiki.

(Reporting by Stephen Farrell; editing by John Stonestreet)

Palestinian youths hold their skateboards while chatting, as Israel partially lifts its third national lockdown to fight the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis, in Jerusalem's Old City February 7, 2021. Picture taken February 7, 2021. REUTERS/Ammar Awad

Palestinian youths lie on the ground while holding their skateboards amid Israel's third national lockdown to fight the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis, at a skate park in Jerusalem February 2, 2021. Picture taken February 2, 2021. REUTERS/Ammar Awad