British Celebrities Auction Personal Items to Fund Gaza Students' UK Education

Over 20 British celebrities, including actors Nicola Coughlan from "Bridgerton" and Papa Essiedu from the "Harry Potter" series, have joined a special auction to raise funds for students from Gaza accepted to UK universities but lacking financial support. The auction features personal items donated by the stars, with proceeds dedicated to helping these students begin their studies.

Papa Essiedu contributed his personal copy of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," emphasizing the tragedy of destroyed universities in Gaza and wasted talent without opportunities. The initiative follows the UK government's announcement to assist Gaza students in studying in Britain, contingent on receiving full scholarships.

Phoenix Space, the organization behind the auction, reported that hundreds of Gaza students have been accepted to prestigious UK institutions such as University College London, Imperial College, and the University of Edinburgh but still face funding gaps. Auction items include a signed behind-the-scenes photo from "Derry Girls" donated by Coughlan and Siobhan McSweeney, a signed Japan national football team jersey from former player Gary Lineker, a personal script from theatre actress Harriet Walter, a necklace worn by Vanessa Redgrave in "Long Day's Journey Into Night," and a vintage Christian Lacroix brooch donated by South African-Jewish actress Janet Suzman.

Both Coughlan and Essiedu have publicly expressed their stances on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Since October 7, Coughlan has supported humanitarian aid to Gaza residents, signed a letter urging the US to halt arms supplies to Israel, and appeared wearing a ceasefire pin. After winning an award at Cannes last year, she spoke about her support for Palestinians, condemning the killing of innocent people. Essiedu previously signed a 2025 petition calling for a boycott of Israeli cinema institutions accused of complicity in genocide and apartheid against Palestinians, stating the need to confront ongoing complicity in Gaza atrocities.