Israel Eurovision faces backlash amid musical kitschfest
CNNTel Aviv, Israel CNN — Always camp, often cheesy and occasionally political, the Eurovision Song Contest rarely passes off without some kind of controversy. “We want people to come that first of all come and see the bigger picture – to enjoy Israel, to enjoy Tel Aviv, but also open their eyes to the fact we occupy millions of people against their will,” the group’s communications director Achiya Schatz told CNN. “For us, if you want to build bridges through music, you need to take apart walls that are being built by occupation.” On Tuesday evening as thousands flocked to the Tel Aviv beaches for free performances and a food festival, around 150 protesters took part in a short march calling on Israel to end its actions in Gaza. Despite calls for her to boycott the event, Madonna said in a statement she will “never stop playing music to suit someone’s political agenda nor will I stop speaking out against violations of human rights wherever in the world they may be.” “My heart breaks every time I hear about the innocent lives that are lost in this region and the violence that is so often perpetuated to suit the political goals of people who benefit from this ancient conflict. Netta Barzilai, the reigning Eurovision champion whose winning song “Toy” brought the competition to Israel, has been promoting the event as a way to bring a positive message to the world.
History of this topic
Eurovision 2024: Social media outrage over participation of Israel ‘when Ukraine and Israel get most votes from…’
Live MintWhy hasn't Israel been banned from the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest like Russia was in 2022?
ABC
Second Eurovision 2024 semi-final reveals 10 qualifiers to advance to Saturday’s grand final
The Independent
Watch: Hundreds gather in Sweden to protest against Israel’s Eurovision participation
The IndependentThousands of pro-Palestinian protesters march in Malmo against Israel’s Eurovision participation
Associated Press
Thousands march in Sweden against Israel’s Eurovision participation
LA Times
Israel qualifies for Eurovision final amid Gaza war protests
Al JazeeraThe Eurovision Song Contest kicked off with pop and protests as the war in Gaza casts a shadow
Associated Press
Eurovision organisers respond to calls for Israel boycott ahead of song contest final
The Independent
A Eurovision like no other: Israel’s war on Gaza takes centre stage
Al Jazeera
Olly Alexander cries as he addresses Eurovision controversy over Israel
The IndependentOrganizers of Eurovision Song Contest ready to remove Palestinian flags or symbols
Associated Press
Israel unveils new Eurovision song after original ballad called October Rain 'referenced Hamas atrocity' with lyrics including 'they were all good children'
Daily Mail
Israel picks Eurovision 2024 contestant amid calls for boycott
The Independent
Israel should be disqualified from Eurovision 2024: European politicians
Al Jazeera
Eurovision rejects calls for Israel to be banned from 2024 show despite boycott threats
The Independent
The Netherlands wins Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv
Associated Press
Madonna arrives in Israel for Eurovision 2019 performance
Daily Mail
Eurovision 2019: Last appeal from Gaza
Al Jazeera)
Madonna refuses to boycott Eurovision final in Israel: I'll never stop playing music to suit someone's political agenda
Firstpost
Madonna vows to sing at Eurovision in Israel
CNN
Politics takes center stage as Israel hosts Eurovision
Associated Press
Palestinian Artists Call For Eurovision Boycott; Israel Responds With PR Campaign
NPR
Celebrities criticize proposed boycott of Eurovision over Israeli-Palestinian conflict
CNN
Madonna faces backlash for performance at Eurovision Song Contest in Israel as fans call to BOYCOTT
Daily Mail
Eurovision: Peter Gabriel, Vivienne Westwood and more urge BBC to boycott competition in Israel
The IndependentDiscover Related
)
)
)
)
)
