Pro-Palestine activists have been making a statement against Israel’s participation in Eurovision during the grand opening ceremony. The event kicked off with a Turquoise Carpet extravaganza in Basel, Switzerland, marking the official start of Eurovision Week.
Participants from 37 countries paraded through the city on vintage trams, greeted by enthusiastic fans, dancers, and drummers along the way. The procession culminated at the Eurovision Village, where delegates were scheduled to meet the public and give interviews.
Israeli contestant Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, faced a tense moment as she arrived at the opening ceremony. The crowd displayed Palestinian flags, and protesters could be heard shouting, “Shame on you!” One daring protester even crossed the barrier and disrupted the procession by sitting in front of the Israeli delegation with a Palestine flag.
The Israeli broadcaster KAN promptly lodged a complaint with Swiss police and urged the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to identify and remove the individual from future Eurovision events. They also reported a “threatening” incident to the authorities, which the EBU stated was a police matter.
In response to the disruption, the Israeli delegation announced that Raphael would not be granting interviews to accredited journalists due to “security reasons.” The calls to ban Israel from Eurovision have been gaining momentum, fueled by the country’s violent actions in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 52,000 Palestinians.
Last year, Israel’s participation sparked protests, and this year, former contestants and national broadcasters have joined the chorus calling for Israel to be excluded. Several former Eurovision participants have demanded Israel’s removal from the competition, accusing the Israeli broadcaster of complicity in the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. Additionally, Ireland’s RTE and other European broadcasters have called for a discussion on Israel’s inclusion in Eurovision.
The ongoing controversy surrounding Israel’s involvement in Eurovision has raised questions about the event’s political implications and the ethical responsibilities of participating countries. Despite the festive atmosphere of Eurovision, the protests and calls for boycotts highlight the deep-rooted tensions and conflicts that persist in the region.
The clash of cultures and politics on the Eurovision stage reflects broader global divisions and challenges, underscoring the need for dialogue, understanding, and empathy in resolving complex international issues. As the competition unfolds, the spotlight remains on Israel’s participation and the broader implications for the Eurovision community and beyond.
