In the summer of 2023, students from the Rebel Circus School at Lajee Center embarked on an exceptional journey as part of an international cultural exchange program in partnership with the Spanish circus collective Pallasos en Rebeldía. The initiative was organized by circus trainer Mohammad Rumi, who had just completed an intensive one-month training in Madrid focused on safety and injury prevention in circus environments.

As part of the exchange, six students from Lajee traveled to Spain to attend a two-week summer camp designed to strengthen artistic skills and promote dialogue between Palestinian and Spanish circus students.

The first week took place in Madrid, where the participants trained side-by-side with Spanish students in collaborative workshops, culminating in a joint performance that portrayed life in Palestine through expressive circus movement.

The second week unfolded in the coastal city of Cádiz, where the students joined an open beachside camp. For many, it was their first time seeing the sea, adding a deeply personal and joyful dimension to the experience.
During this week, the students also visited several local circus schools in Cádiz and participated in joint training sessions with Spanish performers, exchanging techniques and gaining new insights into alternative training styles.

Upon returning to Palestine, trainer Rumi resumed his work in Lajee’s annual summer camp, where he led circus sessions for more than 150 children. From this group, 25 children who demonstrated passion and talent were selected to join the Rebel Circus School’s regular training program, continuing their journey into the following year.