By otakuyassine3@gmail.com 
LONDON, United Kingdom — The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is escalating, making aid crucial. Nearly 90% of residential buildings are damaged. Conflict and airstrikes have killed more than 42,000 people. Furthermore, 90% of the population has been forced to flee their homes in need of shelter. Palestinians in Gaza urgently need help and support. Israeli airstrikes and ground assaults destroyed hospitals, schools, homes and aid distribution centers. In response, celebrities and key individuals are working together to provide aid, lobby governments and urge audiences to support “peace and lasting justice.”
Artists4Ceasefire
Artists4Ceasefire is a large group of artists who have formed to provide support to Palestinians in Gaza. In October 2023, the group wrote a letter to President Biden in response to the humanitarian crisis. Oxfam America and ActionAid USA supported the letter, which urged the President and Congress for an “immediate de-escalation and ceasefire.”
Standing for “freedom, justice, dignity and peace for all people,” the organization aims to support efforts to end conflict and its drastic consequences. Celebrities have been spotted wearing the organization’s pin in support of the organization. Billie Eilish, Ramy Youssef and others wore the red enamel pin at the 2024 Oscars to symbolize their support in calling for a ceasefire.
Artists for Palestine UK
Artists For Palestine United Kingdom (APUK) is a similar organization that supports justice for the Palestinian people. Aiming to educate artists and audiences, it builds awareness of the humanitarian crisis and the work that supports the need for justice for Palestinians in Gaza. Artists also join producers and directors to hold events and create projects and discussions for their activism. The celebrities aim to ensure that the art industry does not “normalize injustice.” Indeed, it recognizes the human rights violations ongoing in Gaza.
On the eve of the 62nd New York Film Festival, September 2024, filmmakers produced an open letter containing signatures of key artists, directors, producers, actors and editors. The letter insisted that the festival must stop its affiliation with Bloomberg Philanthropies. The organization is accused of having settlement infrastructure in the West Bank which artists claim is “denying Palestinians their basic rights.”
The letter warned that without an immediate and permanent ceasefire, famine and disease would escalate. With all of Gaza at risk of famine and 94% of its water unsafe for drinking, the letter plays a critical role in demonstrating the support celebrities are providing to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Key filmmakers involved include Mike Leigh, Neo Soro, Yuval Abraham and others.
In October 2024, artists from the organization created a short film that was displayed on the walls of St Thomas’ Hospital, London. Actor Khalid Abdalla spoke the testimony of Surgeon Ghassan Abu-Sittah, who has worked in hospitals in Gaza. He explained the destruction of hospitals and the extent of human casualties. The video speaks of the U.K. government’s complicity in the destruction due to its continued support of arms to Israel. The film urges audiences and passersby on the street to lobby the government to stop its complicity.
Cinema for Gaza – Celebrity Auction
Cinema for Gaza (April 2024) was created by film critic Leila Latif, Sophie Monks Kaufman, Hanna Flint and other producers to raise donations for the charity Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP). Celebrities showed their support to Palestinians by offering valuable items and experiences that they could auction for the charity. With more than 10 days of bidding, the founders raised £261,852 for MAP.
Examples of experiences to bid on include a Zoom call with Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things), a meet-up with Ramy Youssef and Bridgerton-signed items from Nicola Coughlan. Annie Lennox’s handwritten lyrics of the song “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” alone made £21,050. Donations enhanced MAP’s medical aid in Gaza. Additionally, the funds are helping with blood transfusions, access to cancer drugs and breathing units for intensive care. This is vital in a region that lacks a functioning hospital. In addition to the auction, Cinema for Gaza sold T-shirts and Tote Bags to aid the fundraising.
Key Individuals
Whilst many celebrities worked collaboratively for humanitarian aid for Palestinians, there are notable figures who continue to advocate individually. Whilst accepting an award for ‘Outstanding Music Artist’ at the 35th annual GLAAD Media Awards, Renée Rapp called for an “immediate cease-fire.” Furthermore, the artist encouraged the continuation of advocacy.
The Weeknd singer, Abel Tesfaye, donated $2 million to the United Nations (U.N.) World Food Programme to feed more than 157,000 Palestinians. Rachel Zegler used her social media platform to encourage followers to actively participate, donate and lobby their government leaders. Bella and Gigi Hadid also donated $1 million to support key humanitarian organizations: Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, World Central Kitchen, Heal Palestine and the U.N. Relief and Works Agency.
Looking Ahead
Efforts by artists and public figures have mobilized significant support for addressing the urgent needs in Gaza, combining advocacy with practical humanitarian contributions. Through organized events, creative projects and individual initiatives, they have provided critical aid and raised global awareness about the escalating crisis. These ongoing actions demonstrate the power of collective influence in fostering international solidarity and driving attention to those in need.
– Ellie Western
Ellie is based in London, UK and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr
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