Israel not at the opening ceremony of the Eurovision Song Contest on Holocaust Remembrance Day | Eurovision Song Contest

There is international criticism of Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest in connection with the war in Gaza, but that is not the reason why Israel is not at the opening ceremony.

More than 40,000 people are expected in Malmö next Thursday at a demonstration against Israel’s participation, a spokesperson told the Swedish broadcaster. SVT.

That is just before the second semi-final in which Israel plays. Singer Eden Golan participates in the song on behalf of the country Hurricane. She will therefore not appear on the turquoise carpet during the opening ceremony of the Eurovision Song Contest. Normally, participants in the competition make their appearance here, in the presence of the press.

Various countries have previously called on the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) not to allow Israel to participate, as was decided by Russia because of the invasion of Ukraine. The organizer has repeatedly said that the Eurovision Song Contest is a “non-political event” and that Israel complies with all the rules.

Some in the Netherlands were also not happy with the country’s participation. More than 250 people, including comedian Najib Amhali, called on Joost Klein not to participate on behalf of the Netherlands. He will take action on behalf of the Netherlands next Thursday.

A small demonstration took place on Thursday evening at the AVROTROS building in Hilversum. The broadcaster, which broadcasts the Eurovision Song Contest, said that the Eurovision Song Contest is an apolitical music festival “and not a competition between the governments of countries”.

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