SNL: Comedian Ramy Youssef Calls For Palestinian Freedom In A Powerful Monologue

In his opening monologue on Saturday Night Live, comedian Ramy Youssef called for Palestinian freedom and the release of hostages from the Israel-Hamas conflict. Youssef began by joking that it was a spiritual weekend with Ramadan, Easter, and Beyonce’s new album release. He joked about being one of the only people in his friend group who prays, saying his sinful friends call him for help because of his prayers.

Youssef told a story about his friend Ahmed asking him to pray for his family in Gaza. He said, “I’m like, ‘Dude, I got you. So that night, I go to pray, and my prayers are complicated. I’ve got a lot to fit in. I’m like, ‘God, please, please help Ahmed’s family. Please stop the suffering. Stop the violence. Please free the people of Palestine, please. And please free the hostages, all the hostages, please.” Later in the monologue, Youssef said he didn’t like either presidential candidate in the upcoming election. He said the next president should be a woman, which got cheers, but then less applause when he said it should be a trans woman.

Youssef said, “I think our next president should be a trans woman,” then acknowledged the slight waning of applause. “A little less support, yeah. That’s New York, right? New York’s like, ‘We’re liberal, but we’re Italian. Watch out!’” Youssef also joked about being contacted by the Biden campaign because Biden was supposedly a fan of his work with Arab Americans. He poked fun at the campaign worker referring to Arab Americans as if they were their own country.

The comedian recently released his second HBO comedy special “More Feelings,” where he talks about topics like the 2024 election, prayer, and a childhood book report. The special premiered on March 23.

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