Artists and musicians in Sweden, Iceland and Finland had petitioned the European Broadcasting Union to exclude Israel over its atrocities in Gaza

Artists and musicians in Sweden, Iceland and Finland had petitioned the European Broadcasting Union to exclude Israel over its atrocities in Gaza

Israel can compete in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, organisers confirmed on Thursday, again rejecting calls for it to be excluded over the Gaza war like Russia was after invading Ukraine.

On Wednesday, a group of 400 celebrities including British actress Helen Mirren, British singer Boy George and former Kiss frontman Gene Simmons published an open letter supporting Eurovision’s decision to maintain Israel’s participation.

The letter was issued in response to petitions calling for Israel to be kicked out of the world’s biggest live music event, which is being held in Malmo, Sweden, in May.

Approached by AFP, the European Broadcasting Union said it had conducted a review and decided late last year that Israel could participate in the kitsch annual pop extravaganza.

“The Eurovision Song Contest is a non-political music event and a competition between public service broadcasters who are members of the EBU. It is not a contest between governments,” EBU director general Noel Curran said, reiterating a statement made in January.

read more: https://www.newarab.com/news/eurovision-confirms-israel-can-compete

  • Herbal Gamer
    1•9 months ago

    More of the latter in all honesty, since I haven’t watched it in years. I still stand by my point (which I have had as long as I can remember) of it being a weird addition, same as Israel.

    • Ben Hur Horse Race
      1•9 months ago

      fair enough!

      for what its worth I’d prefer Isreal wasn’t included, and the fact that they’re included this year after russia was excluded for Ukraine, I feel, is shameful.

      Aus really fought for their spot with the manic fandom, they’re allright by me.

      Why did you stop watching? Finland’s entry for this year is a guy called Windows95 Man and the stage performance includes more oddly placed denim than you’d reasonably guess: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Tf1NS1vEhSg