In a recent episode of the Australian current affairs program The Project, British-Australian actress Miriam Margolyes sparked an unexpected moment of silence from host Waleed Aly with her forthright inquiry, “What are you by the way?” This question came amidst a discussion on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, catching Aly, and likely the audience, off guard.
Margolyes, who is of Jewish heritage, passionately advocated for an immediate cessation of hostilities, a sentiment that resonated strongly with those present in the studio. Her appeal for peace was inclusive, emphasizing that race should not be a factor in the quest for harmony. However, it was her candid question to Aly, noting his complexion with, “You’re sort of brown!” that momentarily stunned the seasoned journalist.
Despite the initial surprise, Aly soon responded with a light-hearted chuckle. He then shared that he had given considerable thought to his identity, revealing, “I’m Egyptian.” This revelation prompted laughter and further engagement from the audience, with Margolyes expressing her fondness for the Egyptian people and her solidarity with the Palestinians. She underscored her stance with a powerful declaration: “I’m only for humanity.”
Waleed Aly, a respected journalist with a PhD in global terrorism research, is known for his ability to navigate complex discussions. Born and raised in Australia to Egyptian parents, Aly has become a familiar face on Australian television, guiding viewers through deep and often intricate conversations.
The exchange took an amusing turn when Aly acknowledged the unpredicted direction of their conversation, eliciting laughter from the audience. Margolyes, known for her straightforwardness, dismissed any concern over the deviation with her typical bluntness, stressing the importance of the discussion.
Margolyes’ appearance on The Project was met with acclaim from viewers, who took to social media to praise her humor and candidness, with many expressing hopes for her return to the show. This episode serves as a reminder of the power of open dialogue and the importance of addressing complex global issues with both seriousness and a sense of humanity.