Comedy stars to Stand Up For Gaza at Birmingham variety benefit
Birmingham: A host of well-known comedians are to perform stand-up in Birmingham to help raise vital funds for refugees in Gaza.
Donating their time for free, the popular comics will be raising awareness about the current situation in the Palestinian occupied territory while also encouraging donations for urgent humanitarian work taking place in the region.
Headlining the benefit is British Muslim comedian Shazia Mirza, known for her appearances on The Jonathan Ross Show, QI, Would I Lie To You?, and Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls, alongside online viral sensation Sundeep Bhardwaj who will be heading to the UK for the gig all the way from Luxembourg.
Joining them at the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) are comedians Ivor Dembina – also known as “The Millwall Jew” – and Salman Malik who is playing host for the night, both travelling from London.
Organised by the West Midlands Palestine Solidarity Campaign (WMPSC) in aid of charity ISRA-UK’s Gaza Emergency Appeal, the event will also be supported by spoken word artist Belal Stitan and former Birmingham Poet Laureate Giovanni ‘Spoz’ Esposito; as well as musicians Ace Ambrose and local band The Myth.
Naeem Malik from the West Midlands Solidarity Campaign said:
“On July 11 at the MAC in Birmingham, we’re bringing together a powerful evening of comedy – not to laugh at Gaza, but to stand with it.
“This night is about solidarity, not satire. As the regional Palestine Solidarity Campaign, our commitment to Gaza has taken many forms including mass mobilisations, political pressure, and the global Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement. Now, we add laughter to that list, not as an escape, but as resistance.
“Comedy has long been a tool to speak truth to power and to unite people in the face of injustice. We’re using this night to raise awareness, to raise funds, and to remind the world that Gaza is not forgotten, nor will it ever be. This is not a night of mockery, but of meaningful expression. Join us, laugh with us, and stand up for Gaza.”
Saraya Hussain from ISRA-UK welcomed the fundraising initiative from WMPSC.
“We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with West Midlands PSC. Their support plays a crucial role in helping us continue to deliver vital aid into Gaza, sustain our orphan sponsorship program, and carry on with the many other important initiatives we’re involved in there.
“This partnership strengthens our ability to reach those in need and ensures that our efforts remain impactful and far-reaching.”
Tickets for Stand Up For Gaza at MAC Birmingham can be purchased here: https://www.westmidspsc.org/
