Eurovision bosses have pushed back against fresh calls to remove Israel from this year’s contest. The demand came in an open letter signed by over 70 former contestants and performers, published by Artists for Palestine UK.
The letter urged the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to exclude KAN, Israel’s public broadcaster, from the contest. It read:
“[We] urge all members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to demand the exclusion of KAN, the Israeli public broadcaster, from the Eurovision Song Contest.
“KAN is complicit in Israel’s genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza and the decades-long regime of apartheid and military occupation against the entire Palestinian people.
“We believe in the unifying power of music, which is why we refuse to allow music to be used as a tool to whitewash crimes against humanity.”
🚫 Criticism of Last Year’s Contest
The letter also slammed the EBU for allowing Israel to compete in last year’s contest, calling it “the most politicised, chaotic and unpleasant” in Eurovision history.
“Last year, we were appalled that the EBU allowed Israel to participate while it continued its genocide in Gaza broadcast live for the world to see,” it said.
The letter claimed the EBU “doubled down” by granting Israel “total impunity” while allegedly repressing other artists, accusing it of ignoring widespread criticism.
🎶 EBU Stands Firm
Responding to the letter, Eurovision director Martin Green told Metro:
“We understand the concerns and deeply held views around the current conflict in the Middle East.
“The EBU is not immune to global events but, together with our members, it is our role to ensure the Contest remains – at its heart – a universal event that promotes connections, diversity and inclusion through music.”
Green added that the EBU aims to “show the world as it could be, rather than how it necessarily is.”
🌍 EBU Defends Its Stance
The EBU’s statement also stressed that it’s an association of public service broadcasters, not governments, and that all members are eligible to compete if they meet the contest’s requirements.
“It is not our role to make comparisons between conflicts,” the statement said, adding that the EBU is supporting KAN against threats of privatisation or shutdown by the Israeli government.
The EBU noted it remains in line with other international organisations that have also maintained their stance on Israeli participation in major competitions.
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