The Gist Funny You Should Mention: Mohanad Elshieky
Dec 5, 2025
Mohanad Elshieky, a Libyan-born stand-up comedian, shares vibrant tales from his upbringing in Benghazi. He humorously recounts his family's comedic roots and early pranks, revealing how laughter was a form of rebellion against Gaddafi's regime. Mohanad dives into wild stories, including a light abduction and a Greyhound incident that landed him in the headlines. He also critiques the performative empathy of Portland culture and reflects on the challenges of balancing comedy with serious topics, all while navigating his immigrant experience.
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Growing Up Comedic In Benghazi
- Mohanad Elshieky grew up in Benghazi under Gaddafi where politics were unspoken and comedy came from family riffing and local theater.
- He developed humor by roasting siblings and performing storytelling-style comedy within strict boundaries.
Knife-Wielding 'Helper' Carjacks Him
- Mohanad was briefly carjacked in 2012 by a woman and a knife-wielding man who just wanted a ride home and later suggested hanging out.
- Checkpoints and armed militias made everyday interactions confusing and sometimes xenophobic for locals.
Greyhound Bus Border Patrol Incident
- In 2019 Border Patrol boarded a Greyhound bus and demanded Mohanad's passport despite his work permit and asylum status, humiliating him.
- The incident exposed routine, invasive checks on buses near borders and led to legal pushback.