Israel at Eurovision: Calls for Boycott and Political Tensions

478 words, 3 minutes read time.

The Eurovision Song Contest, an annual international music competition, has a long history of bringing together diverse artists from across Europe and beyond. However, in recent years, Israel’s participation has sparked heated discussions due to its geopolitical context.

Israel has been a participant in Eurovision since 1973, winning the contest four times (in 1978, 1979, 1998, and 2018). The contest’s rules emphasize neutrality and non-political content, aiming to celebrate music and cultural exchange.

In the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, Israel’s entry has faced scrutiny due to its lyrics and perceived political messaging. The song, titled “October Rain” performed by Eden Golan, contained references to the Hamas attacks that occurred in southern Israel on October 7, leading to accusations of propaganda and political intent.

British pop singer Olly Alexander faced criticism after deciding to stay in the competition despite calls for a boycott. An open letter urged him to withdraw in protest against Israel’s participation. Alexander expressed feeling “sad and distressed” about the controversy surrounding his performance.

Over 2,000 artists from Iceland, Finland, and Sweden signed open letters urging Eurovision organizers to ban Israel from the contest. Their call was based on political concerns related to Israel’s actions in the Palestinian territories.

The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement advocates for boycotting Israel in response to its policies toward Palestinians. Some artists align with BDS and refuse to participate in events hosted by Israel.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes Eurovision, emphasizes neutrality and non-political content. Initially, the EBU rejected Israel’s entry due to its references to the Hamas attacks, deeming it too political. However, after adjustments to the lyrics, the song was allowed to remain in the competition.

Israel’s public broadcaster, Kan, threatened to withdraw from Eurovision if the song was replaced. Ultimately, the EBU allowed the modified version of “October Rain” to participate.

It should be noted that Russia was banned from competing in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2022. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) made this decision due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The EBU stated that Russia’s inclusion could bring the competition into disrepute “in light of the unprecedented crisis in Ukraine”. As a result, Russia’s national broadcasters suspended their memberships in the EBU, preventing them from participating in future contests. This ban has continued into subsequent years, including the 2024 contest.

While the contest aims to celebrate music, artists’ decisions and the organizers’ responses highlight the ongoing tensions and differing viewpoints. Eurovision remains a stage where art, politics, and cultural exchange intersect, inviting both celebration and debate. Whatever artists decide on participation viewers can make their own choice. For us at Third Way watching an Israeli performance when the State of Israel is killing women and children by the tens of thousands isn’t moral. We are, therefore, supporting a viewer boycott.