Benedict Cumberbatch Recites Mahmoud Darwish at London Gaza Fundraiser

Benedict Cumberbatch, Florence Pugh, and Richard Gere were among 69 artists and public figures who took part in the Together for Palestine concert at London’s OVO Arena Wembley on Wednesday, September 17th. The sold-out, 12,500-capacity event raised £1.5 million for Palestinian-led humanitarian organisations, making it one of the largest cultural fundraising events for Gaza ever staged in the UK.

Cumberbatch read Mahmoud Darwish’s poem ‘On This Land There Are Reasons to Live’ to an audience that had gathered for a night blending art, music, and activism. The evening featured performances from international acts including James Blake, Jamie xx, Damon Albarn, Bastille, Hot Chip, and PinkPantheress, alongside Palestinian musician Saint Levant.

“I hope tonight’s gig will have the same effect as the 1988 Nelson Mandela concert and give people courage to speak out about Gaza,” said the event’s organiser, British musician Brian Eno.
The event was livestreamed to viewers around the world on @tp4live.

Watch the full video here.