A group of notable British personalities, such as Gary Lineker and Brian Cox, have put up their personal memorabilia for auction to raise funds that will support Palestinian students in pursuing their studies in the UK.
Over 20 celebrities, including Nicola Coughlan from Derry Girls and Bridgerton, as well as music stars like Paloma Faith and Charlotte Church, generously contributed various items for an online auction known as Scholarships for Gaza. This initiative, organized by the Phoenix Space charity, spans for 10 days starting from Monday, July 27.
Last month, the UK government announced its commitment to assisting Palestinian students in relocating from Gaza to study at prestigious UK universities. To qualify for this program, students must secure full scholarships or be able to cover their tuition fees independently. In the previous academic year, over 100 students were successfully evacuated from Gaza to pursue their education in the UK.
Despite receiving offers for educational opportunities at British universities, many talented young individuals in Gaza lack the financial means to seize these chances. To address this issue, 23 celebrities from the realms of sports, music, and film united in the online auction for Scholarships for Gaza.
One aspiring student, Mohammed Hasanain, aged 22, has been granted admission to pursue a Master’s degree in business and management at the University of Glasgow but requires financial assistance. His brother, Mahmoud, aged 20, was also evacuated from Gaza last year to study in the UK, and they aspire to reunite by 2026.
Expressing his concerns, Mohammed stated, “My days are consumed with worries about survival rather than attending lectures as I should.”
Among the contributors, Gary Lineker, the host of Rest is Football, donated a signed Nagoya Grampus Eight football shirt from his playing days in Japan. The auction for this item commenced at £65.
Additionally, Brian Cox, the renowned Scottish actor famous for his role in Succession and Braveheart, offered a collection of memorabilia including a signed photograph, a signed copy of his memoir, and original flyers from his stage performances. Charlotte Church, known for her role in The Traitors, donated a one-night stay at her wellness retreat, The Dreaming, with the bidding starting at £155.
Nicola Coughlan and Siobhan McSweeney from Derry Girls contributed a signed personal photo taken backstage during the filming of the popular TV series.
McSweeney, who portrayed Sister Michael in Derry Girls, shared, “I am auctioning this photo to support this cause as it reflects the joy and camaraderie of school life, which is an essential part of education.”
Paloma Faith, a songwriter, offered a signed copy of her book to support the cause, expressing solidarity with mothers in Gaza.
The educational infrastructure in Gaza has suffered significant damage due to prolonged bombing campaigns, affecting higher education institutions. A UNESCO investigation reported that 95% of higher education campuses in Gaza were either completely destroyed or significantly damaged.
Of the 200 campus buildings examined, 195 were found to be unsuitable for hosting students due to destruction. Moreover, 22% of the higher education workforce had been affected, either through casualties or injuries. UNESCO estimates that the cost to repair all higher education facilities in Gaza would amount to approximately £280 million ($373 million).
UNESCO emphasized the importance of rebuilding higher education in Gaza, not only to restore institutions but also to provide hope, opportunity, and future prosperity for the younger generation.
