The EBUorganizing body of the Eurovision Song Contest, is finding itself at a crossroads from which it will be difficult to get out without receiving thousands of criticisms from one side or the other. Because after all the decisions she made with the participation of Ukraine and her song with clear political references and the exclusion of Russia from the event, her particular ‘measuring stick’ has turned against her in the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
For weeks it has been receiving many requests from artists from countries such as Iceland, Finland or Sweden, host of this year’s event, who ask for the exclusion of the Israeli country from the contest. Just a few days ago, artists from the United States and the United Kingdom, mostly Jews, demanded that Eurovision ignore these requests.
But the situation has taken another 180 degree turn when Israel has confirmed its candidate and its song for the song festival. A topic with clear political references to the attacks that the country suffered last October and that triggered the war that has killed thousands of Palestinians.
Hebrew public radio and television has assured that the song “must show the world that we are here to stay” and that October rain must “reflect the situation.” Something that contradicts the basic Eurovision rules regarding political content in the musical event.
The Eurovision Song Contest has not yet made a final decision but Israel has already put on the bandage before the injury: “We will not change the lyrics or the song, even at the cost of Israel not participating in Eurovision this year.”
It must be remembered that Kalush Orchestra participated in Eurovision 2022 with Stefania, a song with clear political references to the war against Russia. At that time, the song festival did not intervene and in fact Ukraine won in an edition clearly conditioned by public opinion.
Now the ball is in the court of the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) which will have to decide whether or not to exclude Israel at a time when public opinion is so divided. The festival has always assured that its spirit is that of unity, something that does not seem to be experienced in this edition.
