Derry Girls’ star Jamie Lee O’Donnell is to take part in an in-conversation event with Palestinian journalist, Motaz Azaiza to raise funds for the victims of Israel’s war on Gaza.
Organised by the Derry branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, the event at the city’s Guildhall on August 22, is one of two in Northern Ireland.
Both the Derry in-conversation and the Belfast event, at the Mac on August 17, sold out within hours of being launched. The Belfast in-conversation will also feature former MEP for Dublin Clare Daly.
From Gaza, Azaiza has become known throughout the world for his photojournalism coverage of the war since October 7 last year.
He has been named as “Man of the Year” by GQ Middle East while one of his pictures was named in Time’s top ten photographs of 2023. Azaiza has also been listed by Time Magazine as one of the most influential people of 2024.
O’Donnell (37) played the role of the loud-mouthed Michelle Mallon in the Channel 4 comedy Derry Girls which focused on the lives of four friends and the Derry actor’s English cousin.
Posting on Instagram she urged people to support the event, which will also be live-streamed.
The Derry actor said: “Honoured to be part of this historic event.”
All funds raised from both events will go towards a “fund a food drop” in Gaza as well as helping to finance Azaiza’s Irish tour.
