Singer announces concert for Palestinian family

A SCOTTISH singer has announced she will play a concert as a benefit for a Palestinian family trying to flee Gaza.

Christine Bovill will perform a varied programme including songs by Edith Piaf and Leonard Cohen, 20th century American jazz numbers and some of her own compositions at the Oran Mor next month.

The concert has been organised by former International Solidarity Movement activist Mick Bellmooney and comes ahead of Christine’s 10show run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival later this year.

Proceeds will go towards a fundraiser for the family of Maisa Zidan, who Mick worked alongside during several missions to Palestine in the 2000s.

Maisa’s parents, two brothers, sisters- in- law and three nieces and nephews are trapped in Gaza and are attempting to raise the funds needed to cross the border to reach relatives who live in Jordan.

Christine, who grew up in Cumbernauld and now lives in Troon, said: “Like many people around the world, I’ve done charity work and have given my voice to line- ups for Palestinian causes for the past 12 years.

“The reason I’m doing this concert is because the situation in Gaza has become a greater tragedy than any of us could have imagined.

“All I can do is give a concert and I’ll be doing some songs that reflect our shared humanity.”

Mick added: “Maisa’s family’s home is gone; they are eating weeds.

“Her father, who 10 years ago had a triple heart bypass, has lost four stone in weight.

“Governments won’t help, charities cannot help and so it is up to us now.

“I will go to Cairo myself to deliver the money and help coordinate the rescue.

“The money raised from this concert will help pay for their safe passage.

“It’s going to be a wonderful evening of song with the fabulous Christine.”

Christine Bovill will perform at the Oran Mor on Thursday, May 2.