Palestinian singer running to represent Iceland at Eurovision contest
Al JazeeraBashar Murad said he wants to use his song to ‘illustrate’ the difficulties Palestinians face in order to be heard. Palestinian pop singer Bashar Murad is hoping to represent Iceland at the Eurovision Song Contest in May and bring “a Palestinian voice to the main stage”. Murad is competing in the national final with a song co-written by Einar Stefansson of the Icelandic band Hatari, known for raising a banner showing Palestinian flags during the 2019 Eurovision Contest. The European Broadcasting Union, which organises the competition, said last week that they were scrutinising the lyrics of Israel’s song submission for possible references to the October 7 Hamas attack, which would go against the rules of the competition. And everyone is politicising my existence when I’m really just a human who had a dream and applied for this competition fair and square.” When asked if Murad wants Israel to participate in the competition, he said, “Of course, I don’t want my occupier to be there.” “But my main focus right now is to be able to bring, for the first time in history, a Palestinian voice to the main stage.” Israel has won the competition four times and sees the contest as a barometer of its standing internationally.
History of this topic
Why hasn't Israel been banned from the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest like Russia was in 2022?
ABCThousands of pro-Palestinian protesters march in Malmo against Israel’s Eurovision participation
Associated PressEurovision explained, from ABBA to Zorra, as the Israel-Hamas war overshadows the song contest
Associated Press
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
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 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 IndependentDiscover Related
