In the UK, where political silence on Israel’s genocide in Gaza often prevails, artists are stepping up to challenge the narrative.
Khalid Abdalla, an Egyptian British actor, has been vocal since childhood, shaped by memories of protests in the 1980s.
Now, he uses his visibility— writing “Ceasefire Now” on his hand at The Crown premiere and “Never Again” at the Emmys — to demand an end to Israel’s bombardment.
Israel’s genocidal campaign has killed nearly 60,000 Palestinians and devastated Gaza’s civilian infrastructure.
Abdalla’s actions reflect a broader movement among UK artists unwilling to stay silent.
Alexei Sayle, a 72-year-old British Jewish comedian, has long condemned Israel’s policies, calling its actions in Gaza a “holocaust” aimed at ethnic cleansing.
His viral December 2023 “alternative Christmas message” accused Western leaders of complicity in Israel’s assault, resonating widely.
Sayle, alongside figures like Miriam Margolyes, faces less risk of cancellation due to his established status, but he insists silence is complicity.
He views Israel’s war as a step in the “Zionist project” to expel or eliminate Palestinians, enabled by Western inaction.
Artists, he argues, must expose the moral void in governments that prioritize power over humanity.
The upcoming Voices of Solidarity event on July 19 in London, featuring Abdalla, Sayle, Paloma Faith, and others, blends art and activism to raise funds for Palestine.
A YouGov survey last month revealed 55% of Britons oppose Israel’s actions, with 82% of those calling it genocide.
Scholars like Dina Matar and Jacob Mukherjee note artists are filling a political void, reflecting public frustration with leaders loyal to US interests.
Yet, they warn that while artists amplify dissent, lasting change requires political movements.
Abdalla remains hopeful, believing these actions shift global consciousness, though the “avalanche” to stop Israel’s genocide is yet to come.