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Controversy Surrounds Israel’s Participation in Eurovision Song Contest
As the annual Eurovision Song Contest approaches, the participation of Israel has ignited considerable debate. Despite calls for a Eurovision boycott, the nation is currently scheduled to participate in this year’s event, intensifying discussions about impartiality and global events influencing cultural festivals.
Calls for Ban Amid Ongoing Conflict
Israel will be represented by Yuval Raphael, performing the song âNew Day Will Riseâ. However, global fans have urged for a ban on Israel and its national broadcaster, KAN, due to the continuing conflict in Gaza. Ireland’s national broadcaster, RTĂ, has requested the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to discuss Israel’s involvement in the Eurovision Song Contest.
Kevin Bakhurst, the director general of RTĂ, stated his deep concern over the “ongoing events in the Middle East and by the horrific impact on civilians in Gaza, and the fate of Israeli hostages.”
According to the Eurovision Song Contest director, no participating EBU member has openly opposed the inclusion of the Israeli broadcast, Kan.
The contest, hosted by the EBU, is slated to commence on May 13 in Switzerland, with the final show on May 17. Bakhurst indicated that RTĂ sought a discussion “notwithstanding the fact that the criterion from participatingâ is membership of EBU.
He added that he was conscious of âthe need to maintain RTĂâs objectivity in covering the conflict in Gazaâ, as well as the âsevere political pressureâ on Israelâs public service broadcaster Kan from the Israeli government.
More than 70 former Eurovision contestants, including Irelandâs 1994 winner Charlie McGettigan, co-signed a letter imploring organizers to exclude Israel and Kan from the competition.
RTĂ and NUJ’s Stance
Members of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) at RTĂ also proposed that the broadcaster resist Israelâs participation in a written statement. Last Wednesday (May 7), Emma OâKelly of the NUJ appeared on BBC Radio Ulsterâs Evening Extra program, endorsing Mr. Bakhurstâs statement and emphasizing the importance of adopting a firm position.
She commented, âWe believe this is RTĂ listening to its staff, but more importantly, listening to public sentiment here in Ireland, which is just outrage at Israelâs actions in Gaza.”
âWe collectively â the NUJ and RTĂ â donât believe Israel should be afforded what is a massive cultural platform. The Eurovision is literally the international stage. We donât believe that the EBU should be giving a country such as this a platform.â
Ms. OâKelly clarified that this action âis only about Israelâs actions in Gazaâ and noted that there is âprecedent for thisâ, citing Russiaâs inability to participate in the competition since 2022 after its invasion of Ukraine.
EBU’s Response
According to Eurovision director Martin Green, “No participating EBU member broadcaster, who have all been widely consulted, has ‘publicly opposed’ Israeli broadcaster Kan’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest – despite the claims in another letter from RTĂ journalists.”
âThe broadcasters mentioned in the letter, RTVE in Spain and RTVSLO in Slovenia, requested a discussion and RĂV in Iceland has informed us of their foreign minister’s comments on Kan’s participation.â
Mr. Green acknowledged that the song contest organizers “understand the concerns and deeply held views around the current conflict in the Middle East.” He further commented that EBU was not “immune to global events” but members collectively should guarantee the event remains a “universal event that promores connections, diversity, and inclusion through music.”
Israel’s Representative: Yuval Raphael
Yuval Raphael, representing Israel at Eurovision, survived the 7 October, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, where approximately 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage. She was present at the Nova music festival during the Hamas attack, which resulted in the deaths of 360 attendees and the capture of 40 more as hostages.
Past Incidents and Preparations
Last year, Eden Golan faced booing during a dress rehearsal at the singing competition in MalmĂś, Sweden. She was restricted to her hotel room except for performances due to potential threats against the Israeli delegation.
Preparing for Potential Opposition
In a recent interview, Raphael revealed that she has been practicing performing on stage amid distractions, including simulated booing, in preparation for the final performance.
Discussing the possibility of being booed during her performance with the BBC, she stated: “I think I’m expecting it, but we’re here to sing and I’m going to sing my heart out to everyone. I had a few rehearsals where we put sounds [in], so I can practice when there are distractions in the background.”