A group of well-known British personalities, such as Gary Lineker and Brian Cox, have put up their personal memorabilia for auction to raise money for Palestinian students aiming to pursue studies in the UK.
Over 20 celebrities, ranging from Nicola Coughlan of Derry Girls and Bridgerton fame to music stars Paloma Faith and Charlotte Church, have generously contributed items for the Scholarships for Gaza online auction, organized by the Phoenix Space charity. The auction, which commenced on Monday, July 27, will run for ten days.
While the UK government recently announced its commitment to assisting Palestinian students in leaving Gaza for studies at prominent UK universities, students are required to secure full scholarships or self-fund their tuition fees. Last academic year, more than 100 students were evacuated from Gaza to pursue higher education in the UK.
The initiative aims to support numerous talented individuals in Gaza who have received offers to study at British universities but lack the financial means to do so. To aid these aspiring students, 23 celebrities from various fields like sports, music, and film have come together for the online auction for Scholarships for Gaza.
One of the beneficiaries, Mohammed Hasanain, aged 22, has received an offer to pursue a Master’s degree in business and management at the University of Glasgow but is in need of funding. His younger brother, Mahmoud, aged 20, was also evacuated from Gaza last year to study in the UK, with hopes of reuniting with Mohammed in 2026.
Expressing his challenges, Mohammed shared, “Unfortunately, instead of spending my days in a lecture hall as intended, I am preoccupied with concerns about survival and the uncertainties of each passing day.”
Notable contributions to the auction include a signed Nagoya Grampus Eight football shirt from Lineker and a collection of memorabilia from Cox, known for his roles in Succession and Braveheart. Additionally, Charlotte Church offered a one-night stay at her wellness retreat, The Dreaming, for bidding.
Stars of Derry Girls, Coughlan, and Siobhan McSweeney, donated a signed personal photo taken backstage during the filming of the popular TV show.
The auction also features songwriter Paloma Faith’s signed book, with proceeds aimed at supporting mothers in Gaza who have witnessed their children endure severe hardships.
Gaza’s educational infrastructure has been severely impacted by Israel’s prolonged bombing campaigns, particularly in higher education. Recent findings by UNESCO revealed substantial damage to higher education campuses in Gaza, with a significant portion either destroyed or rendered unfit for student use. The estimated cost to restore these facilities is approximately £280 million ($373 million).
UNESCO emphasized the importance of rebuilding higher education in Gaza as a crucial step towards restoring hope, opportunity, and future prosperity for an entire generation.
To participate in the auction, visit the Scholarships for Gaza online platform.