The Rebel Circus School was established in February 2019 after much hard work and dedication from Mohammad Rumi and the Lajee staff. The idea emerged following visits from the Spanish circus group Pallasos en Rebeldía in 2017 and 2018. During their visits, each performer stayed with the Lajee team for a month. Rumi, in particular, developed a strong passion for circus arts and eagerly immersed himself in learning new skills.

During their time in Aida Camp, several Lajee members took part in practice sessions with the visiting performers. It was then that Rumi learned about a circus exchange program. Alongside other interested members from Lajee, he traveled to Spain for three months. There, they were trained in the fundamentals of circus arts, safety protocols, and how to work with children between the ages of 6 to 12. They also specialized in three main circus acts—trapeze, tissu (aerial silks), and juggling—and earned certifications to teach these disciplines to children.

When the Rebel Circus School officially launched in 2019, it began as part of the children’s summer camp. After evaluating the participants, the top ten children continued training. The program then opened its doors to all interested children from Aida and Al-Azza refugee camps. Rumi, together with his co-trainer Asma, worked with more than 25 children, introducing them to the original circus practices and encouraging creative self-expression through physical performance.

In 2020, news of the Rebel Circus School spread across Palestine. Through the Palestinian Performing Arts Network (PPAN), Lajee received support and began collaborating with other local circus organizations. They held joint practices for three months, culminating in a live performance for the families of the Rebel Circus students.

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rebel Circus School remained active. The team strictly followed international hygiene protocols to prioritize the health and safety of both participants and staff. In 2021, Rumi participated in a nationwide workshop involving circus trainers from across Palestine, including Jerusalem. The workshop focused on enhancing skills for teaching young children and was part of an ongoing professional development initiative for trainers.

With the additional experience and knowledge gained from this workshop, Lajee launched a new circus course open to children from Aida and Al-Azza camps. This course attracted 23 participants who benefitted from the structured and creative training. As the program grew, Rebel School expanded its network by connecting with other prominent circus organizations, including the Palestine Circus, Haram el Wehda, and Silwan Circus School. Together, they exchanged techniques, shared experiences, and performed in front of live audiences, continuing to strengthen the culture of circus arts in Palestine.

 Between 2023 and 2024, the Rebel Circus School expanded both locally and internationally. Students participated in cultural exchange programs in Spain, where they trained, performed, and shared the Palestinian story through circus art. Back home, the school continued its work through summer camps, community shows, and advanced workshops. 

By 2024, the program had grown to include 45 students aged 7 to 16, divided into four age-based groups. Through regular training in aerial skills, juggling, and creative movement, the school remains a unique platform for self-expression, resilience, and cross-cultural connection.