New controversy at Eurovision. Reacting to the “brutal attacks on Gaza” which have reportedly left more than 27,000 Palestinian dead since October, more than 1,000 Swedish artists are demanding that Israel be excluded from the next edition of the famous song competition, the grand finale of which is scheduled for May 11 in Malmö, Sweden.
Their open letter, published last week in the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, accuses the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), organizer of the competition, of “discrediting itself” by accepting Israel’s participation. “The fact that countries that place themselves above humanitarian laws are welcome at cultural events trivializes violations of international law and makes the suffering of victims invisible,” the letter states.
Among the signatories are the singers Fever Ray, Robyn, the duo First Aid Kit as well as former participants in the competition, including a certain Malena Ernman, opera singer and mother of activist Greta Thunberg.
Training effect ? This demand follows a petition signed in mid-January by more than 1,400 Finnish and Icelandic artists who call on their public television to boycott the event if Israel participates.
According to the newspaper Al Jazeeraaround twenty members of the European Parliament and the Spanish Podemos party also put pressure in this direction on Tuesday, denouncing the “war crimes and genocide” which are taking place against the Palestinian people.
For the moment, the EBU remains in its positions. The organization says Eurovision is an “apolitical” event, adding that it is a competition between broadcasters and not between states and therefore would not ban Israel’s participation.
However, this would not be the first time that the competition has excluded a participating country. Two years ago, the EBU notably banned Russia, which had just invaded Ukraine.
But William Lee Adams, author of the book Wild Dances: My Queer and Curious Journey to Eurovision, argues that the situation here is “more complicated,” since Israel is not at war with another participating country. In addition, European government leaders “have widely shown their support for Israel” since October 7. However, Eurovision is a competition organized by public television.
Knowing [que le concours est organisé par les télés publiques], it seems unlikely that broadcasters will call for banning Israel. Unless their respective governments change their position.
William Lee Adams, author of the book Wild Dances: My Queer and Curious Journey to Eurovision
“The Russia-Ukraine situation was very clear,” adds Paul Jordan, author of the old blog Dr Eurovision. It was the invasion of a sovereign country. In this case, Israel can argue that it is only defending itself, even if others accuse it of having gone too far in Gaza. » The expert believes that the competition will remain in its positions as long as other major international competitions, such as the Soccer World Cup, do not themselves call for a boycott.
Spoil the party
Even though it is best known for its kitsch and entertaining side, Eurovision is never short of political tensions. It has happened several times, since its creation in 1956, that States have taken advantage of this program watched by millions of viewers to resolve their differences, whether through public voting or the positions of the artists.
In 1969, Austria refused to participate in the competition organized in Madrid because of the Franco dictatorship. In 1976, Greece withdrew from the competition in protest against Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus. In 2016, Ukrainian singer Jamala won with a thinly veiled charge against Russia, which had just invaded Crimea. In 2019, Icelandic competitors displayed themselves with Palestinian flags, while the competition was held in Tel Aviv. Without forgetting the numerous queer performances, intended to advance the LGBTQ+ cause.
PHOTO JONATHAN NACKSTRAND, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE ARCHIVES
Ukrainian singer Jamala after winning the Eurovision contest in 2016
One question, moreover: what is the Jewish State doing in an apparently European competition? Simple answer: like Algeria, Egypt or Lebanon, Israel is a member of the EBU, which technically gives it the right to participate. And with what success! In 45 years, Israel has won the competition four times, in 1978, 1979, 1998 and 2018.
Thirty-seven countries are expected to participate in the 69e edition of the competition in May. According to Paul Jordan, it is not impossible that the ceremony could be disrupted by the situation in Gaza. “I think fans in general will welcome Israel’s participation,” he said. But in Malmö, Sweden, there is strong support for the Palestinians. I’m not sure the city will be so welcoming. I even believe that it could be a disruption for Eurovision. There will be a lot of emphasis on safety. Lots of talk about Israel. I hope this tension doesn’t turn into something bigger. »