Israel’s presence in Eurovision It was already a controversial issue last year for the war in Gaza. Now, 72 musicians and performer performers of Eurovision have signed an open letter aimed at the European Radiodifusion Union (UER).
In it they ask the organizers to prohibit the participation of Israel and their national radio in the contest of the song for the “Gazo Palestinian genocide And the ‘Apartheid’ regime and military occupation for decades against the entire Palestinian people. “
Among the signatories of the letter are former winners such as Charlie McGettigan, Salvador Sobral y FERNANDO TORDOas well as the British singer Mae Mullerthe French La Zarra, the former Turkish consistant Hadise Açıkgöz and the contestants of last year Ásdís María y gåteboth participants in what the letter describes as “the most politicized, chaotic and unpleasant of the history of the contest.”
In fact, Eurovision 2024 was plagued controversy Due to Israel’s participation in the contest in the midst of his continuous attacks on Gaza. Some critics accused the Hippocrisy for refusing to withdraw Israeldel contest, having previously expelled Russia in 2022 after the invasion of Ukraine by Putin.
Finally, last year Israel was allowed to compete, although he threatened to retire after the country’s contestant was asked to modify his song “October rain” due to References that they perceived in She to the attacks of October 7.
Criticism of Israeli public television ‘Kan 11’
Last year, Israeli public television ‘Kan 11’ also received harsh criticism for the alleged treatment that his delegation dispensed to the contestants, specifically to the Irish Bambie Thugwhich accused the chain of “Incite violence” against her.
The open letter says: “We urge all members of the European Broadcasting Union (UER) to demand the exclusion of the Israeli public chain ‘Kan 11’, of the Eurovision Festival. The television ‘Kan 11’ is Israel’s genocide accomplice against the Palestinians of Gaza and the regime of ‘apartheid’ and military occupation that has been applying all the Palestinian people. “
“The Uuer is normalizing and covering the crimes of Israel “
“By continuing with the representation platform of the Israeli State, the Uuer is normalizing and covering up their crimes“, continues the letter.” The Uuer has already shown that she is able to take measures, as in 2022, When he expelled Russia of the competition. We do not accept this double standard with respect to Israel. “
“As singers, composers, musicians and other people who have had the privilege of participating in Eurovision, we urge the UER and all its radio bodies members to act now and avoid a greater discredit and disturbance of the festival: Israel must be excluded from Eurovision“. The full letter can be read on the website of Artists For PalestineUK.
More than 56,000 people had signed a similar request asking for the ban on Israel in 2024, while in other places, the association of Composers and Letists of Iceland and 1,400 industry professionals throughout Europe also requested that Israel’s participation in Eurovision would be suspended.
The URU has previously stated: “The URU is an association of public broadcasting agencies that can participate every year in the Eurovision Festival. We are not immune to world events but, together, our role is to ensure that the contest remains -in its essence – A universal event that promotes connections, diversity and inclusion through music. “
No former Spanish representative signs the manifesto
The Festival of Eurovision has been transmitted since 1956So it is the oldest television program that is still broadcast in the world. The semifinals will take place on May 13 and 15. Melody represents Spain, with the song ‘ESA Diva’.
No former Spanish representative signs the manifesto against Israel’s participation in Eurovision. The Eurovision final is celebrated this year in Basel (Switzerland) on Saturday, May 17. The Israeli participant Yuval Raphael will perform the theme ‘New Day Will Rise’.
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