Actor Ramy Youssef recently made history on “Saturday Night Live” as the first Arab, first Ramy, and first Egyptian host of the show. During his monologue, Youssef included a joke pleading for the people of Palestine to be freed, which received loud applause from the audience. Despite the comedic context, Youssef’s statement marked a significant moment on national television, as openly expressing support for Palestinians can sometimes come at a cost, as seen with other public figures who have faced backlash for similar remarks.
Youssef has been using his platform to bring attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza for months, including donating proceeds from his comedy tour to a charity providing relief in the region. He has also been vocal about calling for a ceasefire and lasting justice for the people of Palestine, reflected in his participation in events like the Academy Awards wearing a pin advocating for peace in Gaza. Despite potential controversy, Youssef remains undeterred in using his comedy to address important political and social issues.
The declining support for Israel’s military actions, particularly in Gaza, has been evident in recent polling, with only 36% of Americans approving of Israel’s military response. This shift in public opinion may be attributed to the high number of Palestinian casualties, particularly among women and children, resulting from Israel’s military operations. Even President Joe Biden, a longstanding supporter of Israel, acknowledged the impact on innocent civilians in Gaza during his State of the Union speech.
As the Gaza conflict continues to unfold, there remains a focus on the future for the Palestinian people once the war ends and the Israeli hostages are released. Youssef’s message of calling for the freedom of the people of Palestine reflects a broader desire for peace and justice in the region. Utilizing comedy as a tool to address challenging political issues, Youssef’s message on “SNL” has sparked conversation and brought attention to the plight of Palestinians, contributing to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the conflict in the Middle East.
