LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In a recent installment of 'Saturday Night Live', Pete Davidson, the show’s host, delivered a heartfelt and moving monologue on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
His impartial viewpoint has sparked a wave of admiration among internet users. Many have voiced their thankfulness for his unbiased position on the complex issue during the Season 49 premiere on Saturday, October 14.
Davidson also emphasized comedy's ability to heal, stating that it is really the "only way forward from tragedy".
Pete Davidson on Israel-Hamas war
Davidson started his monologue by recognizing the "horrible images and stories from Israel and Gaza" that have been widespread in the media.
He then unveiled his own experience with tragedy, disclosing that his father, who served as a firefighter in New York City, lost his life in the 9/11 attacks.
"This week we saw the horrible images and images first. And I know what you're thinking, Who better to comment on it than Pete Davidson?" the actor and comedian began.
"In a lot of ways, I am a good person to talk about it because when I was 7 years old, my dad was killed in a terrorist attack. So I know something about what that's like," Davidson added.
He explained, "I saw so many terrible pictures this week of children's suffering — Israeli children and Palestinian children. And it took me back to a really horrible, horrible place."
"No one in this world deserves to suffer, especially not kids," the comic said, expressing his sympathy for the youngsters who are suffering as a result of the conflict.
Reflecting on a personal memory, Davidson shared, "After my dad died, my mom tried pretty much everything she could do to cheer me up."
"I remember one day when I was eight, she got me what she thought was a Disney movie. But it was actually the Eddie Murphy stand-up special Delirious."
He went on, "And we played it in the car on the way home and when she heard the things Eddie Murphy was saying, she tried to take it away, But then she noticed something for the first time in a long time, I was laughing again."
"I don't understand that. I really don't and I never will. But sometimes comedy is really the only way forward through tragedy," Davidson insisted.
Davidson concluded by saying, "My heart is with everyone whose lives have been destroyed this week. But tonight, I'm gonna do what I've always done in the face of tragedy, and that's try to be funny. Remember, I said try."
Internet praises Pete Davidson for 'not taking sides'
Davidson’s comments struck a chord with numerous viewers, who took to social media platforms to voice their admiration.
"Thank you for not taking sides. Innocent children and women from both ends should be safe nomatter," tweeted an internet user.
A second user wrote, "Perfection. All heart." "I'm glad he said this," stated a person. "Imagine a world where we understood eachothers pain and not just go back to our respective corners, but listened to eachother for the sake of peace. I stand with whoever wants a peaceful fair outcome in this war."
One person noted, "That was a great open. He didn't politicize things, he just spoke from the heart, and that's what we need more of." The same person added, "Terrorists have a way of bringing people together, and I really hope that one day the US can come together like the people of Israel are doing right now."
"He is a gem," praised another fan. "Not a fan, but that was perfect," said a different user.
