For 88 consecutive days, Palestinians in Gaza have been the deadly victims of Israel’s carpet bombing campaign that has claimed the lives of over 22,000 people. With calls for a ceasefire left unanswered and the international community somehow finding it difficult to address the urgency of the situation, the future of the densely-populated strip appears to be uncertain for its war-torn inhabitants.
While celebrities from all over the creative spectrum have made their stances clear, the most impactful calls for solidarity and condemnation have emanated from the high-profile figures who trace their roots back to Palestine. Leveraging their fame, reach, and influence to shed light on the shared experiences of trauma and struggle within their homeland, as those who know the harrowing reality on the ground too well themselves, their personal perspectives expose the pervasive hardships faced by their own people but also challenge the world to confront the stark realities of war.
Followed and listened to by thousands, and in some cases even millions, each plea only rings authentically louder, resonating with a global audience that can no longer turn a blind eye to the atrocities unfolding in front of our eyes. In light of their current plight, and to raise awareness in our own way of the escalating crisis, below, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of prominent Palestinian figures, from artists and activists to academics, to know and uphold on social media and IRL.
The Hadids
Noura Erakat
Mo Amer
Kuwaiti by birth, American by residence, but Palestinian by blood, Mo Amer is arguably one of the funniest men from the region. Having made a name for himself across the US for his relatable humor, beyond the stage, the Houston-based comedian also acts, having notably spearheaded one of Netflix’s highest-rated series in 2022. Eponymously named Mo, the season-long show was loosely based on the 42-year-old’s own life as an Arab-American immigrant living in Texas. Today, he is recognized as a talent that not only entertains but most importantly bridges cultural gaps between people from different walks of life.
Hiam Abbas
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Most commonly known for her role as Marcia Roy in the HBO drama Succession, Hiam Abbas’ endearing aura has managed to captivate audiences in the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond. Boasting one of the most impressive resumes in the industry, with more than one classic film or series under her belt, the French-Palestinian actress has notably worked with some of the most renowned names in cinema including Steven Spielberg and Ramy Youssef.
What’s more, Abbas has also managed to leave a mark in cinema as a filmmaker, having directed five projects, which all bear the distinctive signature of her talent and revered experience behind cameras. In fact, her passion for scriptwriting was successfully passed onto her daughter, Lina Soualem, who is known for a number of acclaimed titles such as Bye Bye Tiberias (2023), Oussekine (2022), and Leur Algérie (2020).
Belly
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Queen Rania of Jordan
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If the Hadid clan claim to be the descendants of Palestinian royalty, Queen Rania is an actual royal herself— only this time in Jordan. Born in Kuwait to Palestinian parents, the 53-year-old has long used her status to speak right and do good; especially when it comes to casting a light on the plight of her own people. For decades, the Queen has been a steadfast advocate for humanitarian causes. Leveraging her influential platform to bring attention to social issues, education, and women’s rights has not only defined her role as a monarch but has also solidified her as a global symbol of compassion and diplomacy.
May Calamawy
Saint Levant
Elyanna
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Noor Taher
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