Artists and musicians in Sweden, Iceland and Finland had petitioned the European Broadcasting Union to exclude Israel over its atrocities in Gaza

Artists and musicians in Sweden, Iceland and Finland had petitioned the European Broadcasting Union to exclude Israel over its atrocities in Gaza

Israel can compete in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, organisers confirmed on Thursday, again rejecting calls for it to be excluded over the Gaza war like Russia was after invading Ukraine.

On Wednesday, a group of 400 celebrities including British actress Helen Mirren, British singer Boy George and former Kiss frontman Gene Simmons published an open letter supporting Eurovision’s decision to maintain Israel’s participation.

The letter was issued in response to petitions calling for Israel to be kicked out of the world’s biggest live music event, which is being held in Malmo, Sweden, in May.

Approached by AFP, the European Broadcasting Union said it had conducted a review and decided late last year that Israel could participate in the kitsch annual pop extravaganza.

“The Eurovision Song Contest is a non-political music event and a competition between public service broadcasters who are members of the EBU. It is not a contest between governments,” EBU director general Noel Curran said, reiterating a statement made in January.

read more: https://www.newarab.com/news/eurovision-confirms-israel-can-compete

  • TheAnonymouseJoker@lemmy.ml
    142·
    9 months ago

    The current war in Gaza began weeks after Palestinian terrorists murdered 1,400 civilians in Israel and kidnapped over 200 more. Over 130 hostages, the youngest aged 13 months, continue to be held in Gaza.

    Variety has a very interesting Zionist choice of words. Penske Media Group is who owns them, and it seems like an interesting pattern going on, with the brands and shows they own. https://www.pmc.com/ This is the real face of American awards, shows and magazines. Pop culture agenda support and love for Israel.

    David Draiman, Frontman of the band Disturbed

    As much as I love their songs, they hate Russia and love Israel. I do not think I would listen to any of their newer songs after this.