What Happened?

  • The 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden has faced massive demonstrations, riots, and threats of boycott due to Israel’s participation.

  • The Israeli Eurovision contestant, Eden Golan, has been advised by the Shin Bet security service not to leave her hotel room due to security concerns related to expected pro-Palestinian demonstrations at the event.

  • The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has banned Palestinian flags and signs with political messages at the Eurovision event.

  • Golan’s original entry “October Rain” was rejected by Eurovision organizers for being too politically charged, and she has replaced it with a new song “Hurricane” that can be interpreted in various ways.

What is International Media Saying:

  • More than 60 LGBTQ+ organizations worldwide are calling for a boycott of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest due to Israel’s participation, which they see as contributing to Israel’s “pinkwashing” attempts. (Yahoo)

  • Organizers of the boycott have criticized Israel’s use of rainbow flags in Gaza as a form of “pinkwashing” genocide, and LGBTQ+ groups have protested Israel’s participation in Eurovision before, citing Amnesty International reports on civilian harm in Gaza. (Yahoo)

  • Eurovision’s official website states that only national flags from participating countries are allowed, but the Pride flag is exempt from this rule. (Dagbladet)

  • Despite the exclusion of Russia for the invasion of Ukraine, Israel has not faced similar measures post-ICJ ruling on possible genocide in Gaza, and security will be tight at Eurovision due to concerns of pro-Palestinian protests. (Yahoo)

  • Swedish musicians, including Robyn, and 1,900 queer artists have called for Israel’s exclusion from the 2024 Eurovision, and over 1,900 queer artists urged the UK’s Eurovision contestant to boycott in solidarity with Palestine. (Yahoo)

What is Israeli Media Saying:

  • Israel’s Eurovision delegation, led by contestant Eden Golan, has arrived in Malmö, Sweden for preparations and rehearsals, despite ongoing efforts by anti-Israel activists to bar Israel from the competition and calls for participants to boycott. (Times of Israel, Jerusalem Post)

  • The delegation’s departure on a special El Al flight with symbolic significance, and Golan’s excitement to represent Israel on the global stage, reflect the pride and determination to show Israel’s presence. (i24NEWS, Times of Israel)

  • Malmö has increased security due to protests against Israel’s involvement, and large demonstrations with antisemitic messages and anti-Israel propaganda are planned throughout the event, posing a threat to Jews and Israelis. (Jerusalem Post, Times of Israel)

  • Israel is ranked 7th in the odds betting charts out of 37 competing countries, and the delegation has received directives from the Shin Bet to remain confined to their hotel rooms, except during scheduled performances and official events. (Times of Israel, i24NEWS)

  • The Israeli delegation is under round-the-clock security, and the atmosphere in Malmö was anti-Israel even before the event, with antisemitic incidents and challenges for the local Jewish community. (Jerusalem Post, Times of Israel)

  • The Israeli delegation is under round-the-clock security, and the atmosphere in Malmö was anti-Israel even before the event, with antisemitic incidents and challenges for the local Jewish community. (Jerusalem Post, Times of Israel)

What is Arab Media Saying:

  • Iraqi refugee Salwan Najem and radical Christian Jade Sandberg have requested approval to burn the Quran in Malmö, where Eurovision will begin on 7 May. (New Arab)

  • Malmö Police District chief Petra Stenkula confirmed they are considering the request, stating that burning the Quran is not illegal in Sweden. (New Arab)

  • Last year, an Iraqi Christian asylum seeker named Salwan Momika burned the Quran publicly with Swedish authorities’ permission, leading to backlash from Muslim communities. (New Arab)

  • In addition to the Quran burning request, 10 other groups have requested demonstrations outside Malmö Arena during Eurovision, including pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups. (New Arab)

  • Malmö, a city with over 350,000 residents, has a Muslim population of 50,000. (New Arab)

Sources: