The Eurovision Song Contest is known for bringing together music lovers from across Europe and beyond, but this year, the festive spirit is clouded by a wave of political tension.
As the Swiss city of Basel hosts the grand final, protests have erupted over Israel’s controversial participation, drawing attention to a deeply sensitive conflict that has spilled over into the world of entertainment.
Pro-Palestine Demonstrators Rally Against Israel’s Presence
Thousands of pro-Palestine protesters gathered at Barfüsserplatz, right in the heart of Basel, to voice their strong opposition to Israel competing in this year’s Eurovision.
Some demonstrators carried powerful imagery, including one protester with red paint smeared on her face and a prop symbolizing a body bag, underscoring the human cost of the ongoing conflict.
Chants of “boycott Israel apartheid” and “no stage for genocide” filled the air as Palestinian flags waved and flares lit up the sky, setting a dramatic scene ahead of the much-anticipated final show.
The demonstration highlighted the deep anger many feel about Israel’s actions in Gaza and the decision to allow the country’s entry in the contest.
Survivor Yuval Raphael Faces Hostility on the Eurovision Stage
Adding an emotional layer to the controversy is Yuval Raphael, Israel’s contestant who survived the harrowing Hamas attack at the Nova Music Festival on October 7, 2023.
That day marked a brutal assault leaving over 1,200 people dead and many taken hostage, triggering a fierce Israeli military response in Gaza.
Raphael’s journey to the Eurovision stage has been met with mixed reactions, including boos and protests during her qualifying performance.
Despite the hostile environment, Raphael remains resolute.
She shared with the BBC that her team anticipated the negative reactions and rehearsed with background noise to stay focused.
“I think I’m expecting it,” she said, “but we are here to sing, and I’m going to sing my heart out for everyone.”
Calls Grow to Ban Israel from Eurovision Over Human Rights Concerns
The controversy has drawn support from across the music industry.
Over 4,000 artists, musicians, and professionals from Nordic countries signed an open letter condemning Israel’s participation, accusing the country of using Eurovision to “whitewash and divert attention” from the conflict in Gaza.
Former Eurovision winners also joined a separate appeal asking the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to exclude Israel, citing ongoing human rights violations.
Broadcasters in countries like Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia have pushed for debates on whether Israel should remain in the contest.
Last week, 70 former Eurovision contestants signed a letter urging Israel’s ban, denouncing the country’s “genocide against the Palestinians” and criticizing the EBU for normalizing these acts by allowing participation.
Tensions Escalate During the Contest Week in Basel
The political tensions came to a head during the Eurovision opening parade and preliminary shows.
The Israeli delegation filed complaints against a pro-Palestinian demonstrator accused of making a threatening gesture and spitting.
On the other side, six protesters carrying Palestinian flags were swiftly removed from the arena during a preview show, as arena rules restrict flag sizes.
Despite these disruptions, Raphael’s song “New Day Will Rise” remains one of the favorites to win, according to bookmakers.
Protests Spread Beyond Switzerland With Calls for Justice
The unrest isn’t limited to Basel. In Dublin, thousands marched in support of Palestine, demanding an end to what they call the genocide in Gaza.
The Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign organized a large rally, echoing similar sentiments heard across Europe.
In Basel, a group named ESCALATE for Palestine marched through the streets chanting “free free Palestine,” while police maintained a strong presence to manage the protests.
Drama Unfolds Behind the Scenes With Eurovision Host Duties
Adding to the intrigue, BBC announced that actor Ncuti Gatwa would no longer serve as spokesperson for the British jury during the grand final, just minutes after Israel qualified for the final round.
The BBC cited “unforeseen circumstances,” but many fans speculated the decision was linked to Gatwa’s vocal support for Palestine.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor stepped in to replace him and expressed excitement about participating in the event.
Eurovision Organization Balances Music and Political Sensitivities
The Eurovision director acknowledged the strong feelings about the conflict but emphasized the contest’s goal of uniting people through music.
The European Broadcasting Union is facing calls to reconsider Israel’s involvement, but so far, the country remains a contender, continuing the complex debate about the role of politics in entertainment.