Stage, floor and podium at the Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam, 2021. [Eurovision Boycott]

Marie Kouppi

As the lights start flickering and the music pulses like an approaching storm, Eurovision demands attention. But a possible boycott may provide a show-stopping performance. 

Glitter and geopolitics have co-existed within the Eurovision Song Contest for years. Unspoken or not, the stage is always a place for political performances.

However, as the 2024 competition draws near, political debate is more prominent than ever. 

Israel’s participation in this year’s contest — despite Russia’s suspension for the war on Ukraine — has sparked a heated debate. Should we boycott Eurovision? 

Eurovision’s History: A Peace Solution

In the aftermath of World War II, Europe yearned for greater ‘cultural unity’ and mutual understanding. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) wanted to promote harmony and create peace. The organisation’s goal led to the inception of The Eurovision Song Contest.

Eurovision debuted in Switzerland in 1956, with seven original participating countries: West Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

In its early days, Eurovision served as a vibrant stage to showcase the richness of each nation’s music, art and culture. Talented representatives from Europe endured the unique blend of expert judgment and public opinion. However, politics infiltrated the mix, adding a layer of complexity every year.

Controversy Over Israeli Participation

In 2022, the EBU made the decision to suspend Russia following the invasion of Ukraine, claiming that a Russian entry would bring the competition into “disrepute.”

This wasn’t a novel event: several countries have been suspended from competing in Eurovision throughout its history, due to political conflicts or broadcasting disagreements. 

However, the continued inclusion of Israel has raised questions of consistency, casting a shadow of hypocrisy over the contest. Many have called for Israel to be banned from the competition due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. But the organisers have denied this request.

Noel Curran, the EBU director general, said: “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.”

Potential Safety Risks

Sweden, the host country this year, finds itself in a tricky spot. 

As Eurovision fever builds in Malmö, both locals and traveling fans have been reassured by the local police. Currently, there are no immediate safety concerns regarding the contest. However, Swedish police underscored the importance of ramping up intelligence efforts as the competition draws nearer.

Karin Karlsson, who is spearheading the city’s preparations, acknowledged the heightened tensions since Malmö last hosted Eurovision in 2013. There have been multiple protests against Israeli participation.

The Israeli delegation will also be accompanied by security guards to the competition.

Should We Boycott Eurovision 2024?

Those advocating for a Eurovision boycott are championing a principled stand against injustice and political oppression. Boycotters want to convey a message of solidarity and defiance against authoritarian regimes by refraining from participation in the contest. Throughout history, boycotts have proven potent in galvanising public opinion and compelling governments to embrace change.

“‘October Rain’, Israel’s original entry for Eurovision, […] allegedly alluded to the October 7 attacks.”

However, it’s crucial to weigh the impact of boycotts against their intended goals.

While born from good intentions, boycotts run the risk of isolating artists and fans who see Eurovision as a stage for cultural exchange. From its humble beginnings in 1956, Eurovision symbolised hope in the fractured post-war world. Broad boycotts might unintentionally penalise innocent participants and erode the essence of unity that Eurovision embodies.

Israeli Response

Ahead of the Eurovision Song Contest, the Israeli delegation (in collaboration with The Israel Security Agency), announced a security blueprint.

Eden Golan, Israel’s representative, will abstain from pre-parties and events in Malmö. This includes the turquoise carpet affair on 6th May, honouring Holocaust Remembrance Day.

‘October Rain’, Israel’s original entry for Eurovision, also created political waves. The title and lyrics allegedly alluded to the October 7 attacks. The song’s dedication to Israeli hostages in Gaza also raised eyebrows. As a result, Israel’s entry was deemed too political.

Initially, the Israeli public broadcaster Kan stood by ‘October Rain’, releasing its English and Hebrew lyrics. These include controversial lines: “writers of the history, stand with me” and “I’m still wet from this October rain.” Israel threatened to pull out of Eurovision if their song was “censored.”

Despite Minister of Culture and Sports Miki Zohar’s objections, Kan shifted course following President Isaac Herzog’s urging for Israel’s global voice to be heard. Israel pivoted and entered a new song. Their new entry ‘Hurricane’ has the same melody, but features personal lyrics.

The EBU’s Response

The EBU has remained steadfast in it’s decision to include Israel in Eurovision 2024, despite ongoing protests and worsening conflict in Palestine.

“Iceland, Ireland, Finland, Norway, Slovenia and Ukraine have all openly objected [to Israel’s participation].”

Curran said: “Our governing bodies […] did review the participants list for the 2024 contest and agreed that the Israeli public broadcaster Kan met all the competition rules for this year and can participate, as it has for the past 50 years.”

International Objections

The notion of “united by music” is challenged by the protests against Israel’s involvement. Iceland, Ireland, Finland, Norway, Slovenia and, most recently, Ukraine, have all openly objected. Participants in Denmark’s national final have also expressed their opposition to Israel’s participation.

Lilja Alfreðsdóttir, Iceland’s Minister of Culture, said: “This decision, in my opinion, pertains to foreign affairs and holds significant weight. If we opt not to participate, it sends a clear message about a particular policy.”

“I believe the Secretary of State should intervene in this matter, as was done when we abstained from playing football due to Russia’s attack on Ukraine.”

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Featured image courtesy of via Wikimedia Commons. No changes were made to this image. Image license found here.

Marie, the Cypriot Instagram editor of Empoword Journalism✨ Currently a teacher but silently crying about my PhD about ‘British Morals and their Impact on Societal Censorship in Arts!

1 Comment

  1. Really good article again. I’m personally going to be skipping this Eurovision

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