Stop the pain and free Palestine: Ramy Youssef, presenter of Saturday Night Live, delivers a moving monologue

Ramy Youssef, the new host of Saturday Night Live, centered his first speech on the war in Palestine this week, emphasizing the need to “stop the suffering” and “stop the violence” in light of the fact that Easter and Ramadan fall on the same weekend, according to Entertainment Weekly.

The actor from Poor Things and creator of Ramy said, “This is an incredibly spiritual weekend,” as he introduced the program on March 30. “Ramadan is upon us, the sacred month. Easter is tomorrow. Additionally, Beyoncé dropped a new album yesterday. There are just too many different religions rejoicing at once.

Youssef then talked on his own faith and the importance of prayer, telling the audience, “I’m one of the only guys in my friend group who prays.” I have a lot of pals that are just plain repulsive sinners. They also want me to pray for them when they are in difficulties, so they phone me when that happens.

Youssef then made light of a buddy who was embroiled in a custody dispute over his dog, according to the newspaper, before describing a call from another friend named Ahmed, who requested Youssef to offer prayers for his family in Gaza. Youssef, a strong proponent of peace in Palestine, said, “Dude, I got you.” I go to pray that night, and my prayers are a little complex. It’s a lot to fit in for me. I want God to intervene on behalf of Ahmed’s family. Please put an end to the pain. Put an end to the bloodshed. Would you kindly release the Palestinian people?

Youssef said, “And please free the hostages, all the hostages, please,” to the applause of the live audience. “And while you’re at it, you know, free Mr. Bojangles,” he jokingly said. He is a stunning canine. Praying for that dog, that is.

Several guests, including Youssef, donned Artists for Ceasefire pins to the March Academy Awards. While standing on the red carpet, he had stated to Variety, “We’re calling for an immediate, permanent ceasefire in Gaza.”

We demand that the people of Palestine live in peace and get long-term justice. The message is clear to all: “Let’s stop killing kids.” Stop participating in additional conflicts. Nobody has ever considered a bombing campaign to be a good decision when reflecting on a war. Being surrounded by so many talented people who are eager to share their voices—the list keeps getting longer. These pins are going to be worn by a lot of people tonight. The news is full of talk show hosts. This is a talking hearts area. We’re working to bring this enormous beam to mankind,” he said.

Youssef, who was born in New York to Egyptian immigrants, made his television debut in 2019 with the launch of Ramy, a show he created and starred in as the lead character. The program depicts the tale of a first-generation millennial American born to immigrant parents in the country, mirroring his own life. For the part, Youssef won a Golden Globe in January 2020.