A recent controversy has sparked a heated debate among former Eurovision contestants, with over 70 past participants signing an open letter urging the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to ban Israel from the 2025 contest. The letter accuses Israel’s public broadcaster, Kan, of complicity in “genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza” and argues that allowing Israel to participate would be “normalizing and whitewashing its crimes”. This move has reignited the debate about politics and art in the Eurovision Song Contest.
Some notable signatories include past winners like Charlie McGettigan of Ireland and Fernando Tordo of Portugal, as well as more recent contestants like Mae Muller, who represented the UK in 2023. These artists believe that the inclusion of Israel in the contest is a form of endorsement for the country’s actions, which they strongly condemn. They argue that the EBU’s decision to allow Israel to participate despite these concerns is a double standard, especially given Russia’s expulsion from the contest after declaring war on Ukraine.
However, not everyone agrees with this stance. The EBU has maintained that it is “aware of concerns regarding the situation in the Middle East” but remains “in constant contact with all participating countries”. The EBU also emphasized its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion through music. Yuval Raphael, Israel’s representative for the 2025 contest, has already begun rehearsals, sparking mixed reactions from the Eurovision community.
The debate raises questions about the role of politics in art and whether boycotting Eurovision can bring about meaningful change. Some argue that artists should use their platform to speak out against injustice, while others believe that Eurovision’s apolitical nature is what makes it a unique celebration of music and culture. As the contest approaches, the discussion is likely to continue, with some advocating for a boycott and others pushing for a more inclusive and diverse event.
