Join a global week of solidarity with the children of Gaza
Swim, Fundraise, Donate.

From 23rd-30th August 2026, people around the world will take part in the International Swim With Gaza, a global week of solidarity with the children of Tantesh Swimming Academy as they celebrate the final swim of their free swimming programme.

We have chosen these dates to coincide with the Swimming Carnival in Gaza which will be on 22nd August, or the following weekend, depending on the seas.

Swim With Gaza is a child-driven initiative inspired and motivated by Amjed Tantesh free Gaza Children Swimming Initiative. Amjed has been teaching children in Gaza to swim since the late 1990’s. All the usual pools have been destroyed so he and his team have build natural pools on the beaches in Gaza that he now used to teach

When you take part, you stand alongside every child taking to the water that day and help raise funds for free swimming lessons, so even more children in Gaza can learn to swim this year.

Every child deserves the chance to learn to swim. Swimming is a skill for life that they can carry with them and enjoy for years to come. It brings freedom and moments of happiness that every child should have.

Having survived displacement many times, the children at the swimming school walk from tent camps nearby to get to their lessons

Wherever you are in the world, join us in the sea (or the river or the pool).

Whether you swim a few metres or a few miles, every person who steps into the sea becomes part of something bigger.

We are heading a campaign to raise money for Swimming lessons for the children of Gaza who have been through so much, including for many who have been orphaned or hurt in many ways.

It would be really good if you could help some of these children to have fun in the sea, learn a new skill and see that there is hope for then in this terrible time. Give what you can.

We have previously funded the building of the natural pools where the swimming lessons are being held.

It would be fantastic if you could organise your own Swim With Gaza on this week. We had 30-40 places around the world doing the solidarity swim in 2023 and 2024, but last year was so horrible we didn’t attempt to have an international swimming event. 

This year everything is quieter and when Amjed Tantish took on the huge task of again teaching hundreds of children we decided to have another International Swim With Gaza. 

Wherever you are on these weekends, get in the water with friends and family to celebrate the resilience of Palestinians. And do send us the videos!

Maybe you can make this year yours too. Just do it with friends and let us know your plans here.

Start planning now and let us know what you’re up to using the contact page here.

Join us in the sea in August and swim with the beautiful children of Gaza.