Comedian Bassem Youssef on the Israel-Gaza war, the Arab Spring, and why we can’t change the world
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Published 2024-04-10
And he knows what he’s talking about, having fled his home country of Egypt after his TV comedy became no longer acceptable to the authorities there.
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Bassem started his career as a heart surgeon, then moved to political comedy in response to the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, taking on the ruling elite in his country. His political satire show, ‘Al-Bernameg’ was the most watched show in Egyptian TV history, but soon became a thorn in the side of the authorities there, forcing him into exile.
In this episode of Ways to Change the World, Bassem Youssef talks about his view that Israel should be held accountable for the war in Gaza, how the Egyptian revolution was a turning point in his life, and why he feels disillusioned with the West's "lecturing" on human rights and international law.
Produced by Shaheen Sattar, Silvia Maresca, and Hila May
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All Comments (21)
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As an orthodox jew, I condemn the terrorist acts and war crimes of Israel. I support the creation of a free and independent Palestinian state. This will end all the violence. As Jews we need to accept that Israel is the occupying force and we need to do the right thing and give Palestinians their own independent state free from Israeli interferences. CRITCIZING ISRAEL ISN'T ANTISEMITISM!!! JUDAISM HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ZIONISM !!!!
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Bassem has done so much to change western people’s minds about Gaza. He’s a wonderful man
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He says he can't change it, but he hasn't given up. He is still giving loads of interviews. Appreciate this man so much.
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His body language broke my heart. As an Egyptian, I used to watch Bassem's show and get hope and comedy. Now I see him talking, even laughing, and I just cry about how things ended up. Yes, Bassem, we were so naive. I wish you hope and a great life, Bassem. Just like your heart, thoughts and comedy.
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He’s not cynical, he’s disheartened, discouraged. Aren’t we all? 🙁
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I’m Palestinian and when Bassem talks I cry because he’s right
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This man is a monument to humanity.As an Irish man, a member of a nation that has fought for its dignity,I totally respect him.I have nothing but CONTEMPT for anyone who contradicts ANYTHING this man has to say..As a Christian ,I will say , Christ Himself would stand with this man .✝️
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Calling him “comedian” is an insult and a “joke” at this point. Dude is dropping knowledge…
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Big respect for CH4 for giving Bassem a platform.
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A man that talks sense unlike our supposed politicians
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A comedian talking more sense than politicians
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Look at bassem body language. He is extremely frustrated, exhausted and discouraged yet still trying to focus and talk on the topic.
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Bassem's honesty is refreshing in a world full of corrupt leaders.
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No-one does “angry chill” like Bassem.
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This man is not just a comedian. He’s a master social-psychologist. What appears to be a disheartened rant in this discussion is actually a genius level nudge to the rest of us to stand up and make a difference in the world beyond the complaints department.
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This man is so kind, honest and intelligent. He needs to be protected.
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I'm 60 and I'm also cynical. Bassem is intelligent and I fear he is right.
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May Allah bless him and his beloved family. Alhamdulillah
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Bassem please don't think your voice is pointless. The people are waking up and we vote
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"The smart way to keep people passive and obedient is to strictly limit the spectrum of acceptable opinion, but allow very lively debate within that spectrum" - Noam Chomsky
