25-04-2025
Richard Gere recites Mahmoud Darwish poem in solidarity with Palestinians
ALBAWABA - Richard Gere shares emotional poem in support of Palestinian people. Also Read Bella Hadid raises the Palestinian flag in the streets of Paris
In a social media video this week, Richard Gere read a poem by the late Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish as a heartfelt humanitarian gesture in support of the Palestinian people.
"As you prepare your breakfast... think of others."
The poem "Think of Others," which emphasizes the pain of the Palestinian people due to decades of persecution, injustice, and displacement, was selected by the international celebrity. "As you prepare your breakfast, think of others (don't forget the pigeons' food)" is one of the poem's heartwarming lines. Remember those who are fighting for peace as you fight your own wars. When you pay your water bill, consider the people who are helping the clouds. Remember the folks in the camps and keep others in mind as you head back home. Consider others (those without a place to sleep) while you sleep and count the stars.
In the video, Richard Gere also disclosed that he had met Mahmoud Darwish many years prior, highlighting the poet's significant influence on him.
Richard Gere recited the poem at a time when Israel was still attacking the Gaza Strip after the ceasefire that was declared in January of last year collapsed. His act has drawn a lot of attention on social media due to the continued atrocities and forced relocation.
The Artists4Ceasefire campaign, which advocates for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged region, and the release of prisoners and detainees, posted the video.
The group added that the poem was sung in memory of Pope Francis, who startled millions of Catholics worldwide when he passed away on Monday from a heart attack and stroke. The Israeli administration was incensed at the Pope's frequent expressions of criticism of the war in Gaza. According to the campaign, the deceased Pope "embodied the message of Darwish's poem through his profound compassion and compassionate actions toward all who suffer."
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 08: Richard Gere (Photo by Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images via AFP)
Known for his parts in popular movies like Chicago and Pretty Woman, Richard Gere has visited with the relatives of Israeli prisoners in Gaza before. He hasn't held back, though, when criticizing Israeli policy. In his 2017 tour to the West Bank, he called Israeli settlements "a ludicrous and completely illegal provocation," saying they "do not express the sincere intentions of any genuine peace process."
