"MALMÖ, Sweden — Amidst the glitz and glamour of the Eurovision Song Contest, geopolitics often looms large. This year's event in Malmö is no exception, with discussions revolving around Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip. The city is bracing for protests against Israel's participation, echoing sentiments from previous contests where politics and music intertwined.
Pia Jacobsen, an organizer with the Swedish group Stop Israel for Peace and a Free Palestine, criticized the European Broadcasting Union's (EBU) decision to ban Russia while allowing Israel to compete. Security measures are tight, with police from neighboring countries assisting, though officials expect the protests to remain peaceful.
The EBU, which aims to keep politics out of the contest, faced challenges this year. Irish contestant Bambie Thug was asked to remove makeup featuring political messages, while Eric Saade's wearing of a keffiyeh drew attention. Several artists signed a statement calling for a cease-fire in Gaza, showing solidarity with the oppressed.
Israeli contestant Eden Golan had to change her song's lyrics to compete, reflecting tensions around her country's actions. Despite calls for a boycott, many artists, including Olly Alexander, decided to use the platform to advocate for peace. Gad Yair, a sociologist, highlighted the contest's significance for countries like Israel, seeing it as a way to be part of Europe.
Eurovision's history is marked by political undertones, such as Ukraine's 2016 win with a song about the Tatar community's expulsion, coinciding with tensions between Ukraine and Russia. Armenia and Azerbaijan, despite their conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, have both participated.
Yair noted artists' attempts to convey political messages subtly and expected Israel to reference the Gaza conflict in some way. Eurovision, known for its wide viewership, holds cultural significance across Europe, from lighthearted entertainment to a platform for political expression."