Since it was announced Israel was competing in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 there has been a huge backlash, with dedicated fans deciding to boycott the event.
The annual singing competition’s organiser, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), even made a rare comment on the country’s inclusion but refused to ban them as a ‘non-political’ body.
Despite the EBU’s stance, campaigners have repeatedly put pressure on the body to reverse its decision due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has now claimed thousands of lives.
Israel’s entry Eden Golan was forced to change the lyrics of her song October Rain, after it caused controversy as they were thought to reference the Hamas attacks on October 7.
Here’s what Eurovision said about Israel’s inclusion in the 2024 competition
The EBU’s director general Noel Curran made a statement about Israel’s participation on January 31, stating the organisation was ‘aware of the concerns’.
Curran also said it was a ‘non-political music event’ and is ‘not a contest between governments.’
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After a review by its members, Curran said it was concluded that Israel’s public broadcaster ‘met all the competition rules for this year.’
EBU’s statement on Israel’s inclusion in full
We understand the concerns and deeply held views around the current conflict in the Middle East. We can’t fail to be moved by the profound suffering of all those caught up in this terrible war. A lot of the images from Israel and Gaza that audiences are watching every day are provided through the EBU News Exchange, which we run with our members.
However, 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.
As a member-led organisation, our governing bodies – the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group and the Executive Board – did review the participants list for the 2024 Contest and agreed that the Israeli public broadcaster Kan met all the competition rules for this year and can participate as it has for the past 50 years.
We are aware of the many voices calling to exclude Israel from this year’s competition in the same way as we excluded the Russian broadcaster in 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine.
Comparisons between wars and conflicts are complex and difficult and, as a non-political media organisation, not ours to make. In the case of Russia, the Russian broadcasters themselves were suspended from the EBU due to their persistent breaches of membership obligations and the violation of public service values.
The relationship between Kan and the Israeli Government is fundamentally different to the relationship that exists between those Russian Members and the State, with the Israeli Government in recent years threatening to close down the broadcaster.
The EBU is aligned with other international organisations, including sports unions and federations and other international bodies, that have similarly maintained their inclusive stance towards Israeli participants in major competitions at this time.
On why Israel is allowed to compete while Russia was banned last year due to the Ukraine conflict, Curran said: Comparisons between wars and conflicts are complex and difficult and, as a non-political media organization, not ours to make.
‘In the case of Russia, the Russian broadcasters themselves were suspended from the EBU due to their persistent breaches of membership obligations and the violation of public service values.’
On the Eurovision’s official website, they have answered FAQ’s about Irael’s inclusion, including why they were eligible to compete and how the EBU will react if there are protests near the venue in Malmö, Sweden.
Eurovision’s FAQ about Israel’s inclusionin full
Why is Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest?
The Eurovision Song Contest is open to all members of the European Broadcasting Union which represents broadcasters from right across Europe and the Middle East.
The Israeli public service broadcaster has been a member of the EBU since 1957 and has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest for 50 years.
The Eurovision Song Contest remains a non-political event that unites audiences around the world through music.
Why is Israel still a Member of the EBU when Russia was suspended?
As a non-political organization, the EBU’s role is to support public service broadcasters throughout Europe and the Middle East.
The Israel public service broadcaster has been a member of the EBU for over 60 years. The Russian public service broadcasters had their EBU membership suspended in 2022 due to consistent breaches of membership obligations and the violation of public service media values.
Why is the Israeli entry eligible to compete?
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) can confirm that the official submission from its Israeli Member Kan has been deemed eligible to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest in May.
The Contest’s Reference Group, its governing board, made the decision to accept the song ‘Hurricane’ for the upcoming competition after careful scrutiny of the lyrics.
It was agreed that ‘Hurricane’ met the necessary criteria for participation in accordance with the rules of the competition.
Will there be more security than usual this year, because of the fact the Israel is competing?
We take the safety of attendees and staff at the Eurovision Song Contest very seriously. We continue to work closely with SVT, the City of Malmö, Malmö Arena, the local Police and other law enforcement agencies and feel confident in being able to create a safe event for all participants and visitors in May.
How will the EBU react if there are protests in Malmö?
The EBU is a firm advocate for freedom of speech and the right for people to express their deeply held views and opinions. We understand that people may wish to make their voices heard and support the right of those who wish to demonstrate peacefully.
What does the EBU think about the fact that many people have said they will boycott Eurovision this year, because Israel is allowed to compete?
We understand the concerns and deeply held views around the current conflict in the Middle East but the Eurovision Song Contest’s values of universality, inclusivity and celebrating diversity through music have never been more important. Hundreds of millions around the world share those values and engaged with the event on television and online in 2023. We look forward to being “United By Music” again this year.
Fans have accused Eurovision of refusing to ban Israel from taking part in the 2024 competition because of a haircare brand.
Eurovision’s presenting partner is Moroccanoil for the fourth year in a row, it’s proudly stated on the haircare line’s website.
Founded by entrepreneur Carmen Tal, who was born in Chile but is said to have family in Israel, the products are manufactured in Israel, according to fans posting images of the packaging online.
Meanwhile on Companies House, the three officers listed as directors of the company, two in the past and one currently in the active role, are all Israeli.
Following the outrage at the EBU’s statement, with a new section on ‘Why is Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest’ posted on the official site’s FAQ page, one fan, @slavified, accused: ‘the problem w eurovision and israel is that moroccanoil (one of eurovisions biggest sponsors) is an israeli company so unfortunately they’re never gonna kick them out cuz they only care about money.’
@EscSocial2023 alleged: ‘the @EBU_HQ will not ban Israel from the @Eurovision because their main sponsor is @Moroccanoil – an Israeli company. So never let it be said, that Eurovision is not political, because no matter what the politics are, it all comes down to ££££.’
@ElisFeno blasted: ‘Also remember: Moroccan Oil is the sponsor of Eurovision! If you wonder why EBU is so keen on keeping Israel in the competition, you must remember EBU values money more than human lives.’
‘wait so if eurovision got rid of moroccan oil as a sponsor , it’s more likely that іsrael would be banned yeah?’ @loveruusuvuori also wrote.
The comments come after Jean Philip De Tender, Deputy Director General of the EBU, said: ‘The European Broadcasting Union acknowledges the depth of feeling and the strong opinions that this year’s Eurovision Song Contest – set against the backdrop of a terrible war in the Middle East – has provoked.
‘We understand that people will want to engage in debate and express their deeply held views on this matter. We have all been affected by the images, stories and the unquestionable pain suffered by those in Israel and in Gaza.
‘However, we wish to address the concerns and discussions surrounding this situation, especially the targeted social media campaigns against some of our participating artists.
‘The decision to include any broadcaster, including the Israeli’ broadcaster Kan, in the Eurovision Song Contest is the sole responsibility of the EBU’s governing bodies and not that of the individual artists. These artists come to Eurovision to share their music, culture, and the universal message of unity through the language of music.’
The statement stressed the EBU’s previous explanations for the inclusion of Israeli broadcaster Kan, saying: ‘Constructive debate is a positive consequence of such decisions.
‘However, while we strongly support freedom of speech and the right to express opinions in a democratic society, we firmly oppose any form of online abuse, hate speech, or harassment directed at our artists or any individuals associated with the contest. This is unacceptable and totally unfair, given the artists have no role in this decision.’
The statement ended: ‘The EBU is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for all participants, staff, and fans of the Eurovision Song Contest. We will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to promote the values of respect, inclusivity, and understanding, both online and offline.
‘We urge everyone to engage in respectful and constructive dialogue and support the artists who are working tirelessly – on what is a music and entertainment show – to share their music with the world.’
However, fans have claimed the statement has backfired and is ‘making things worse’, and have continued to call on the EBU to ban Israel from the competition.
And they’re not the only ones to boycott. Gísli Marteinn Baldursson is a presenter for Iceland’s channel RÚV, and has fronted Eurovision commentary for the country’s broadcasts from 1995 to 2003, and then from 2016 to 2023.
However, he’s dropped out from this year’s competition, boycotting the 2024 event over Israel’s inclusion.
Baldursson, 52, announced his plans to boycott on Instagram, saying [in translation]: ‘To answer those who have asked: I will not cover Eurovision this year.
‘The reason is Israel’s actions in Gaza and the competition’s response to it, mainly the lack thereof.
‘For me, Eurovision is about atmosphere and joy, and I feel neither in this year’s competition.’
Baldursson, who has also hosted his own talk shows, held a short career in politics, as a city representative for the Independence Party in the Reykjavik City Council between 2006 and 2013, after which he returned to television.
He now fronts a Sunday Morning talk show and a Friday news programme, holding the roles of chief editor and host for both.
Iceland will be represented in the upcoming 68th Song Contest by Hera Bjork, with the song Scared of Heights.
Eurovision has sparked immense backlash over recent months over including Israel in the Song Contest, with more than 2,000 artists from Iceland, Finland, and the host country Sweden signing open letters asking for Israel to be banned.
Protests in some of those countries have called for Israel to be suspended from the Song Contest after retaliation attacks in Gaza, following Israel’s retaliation in Gaza after the Israel-Hamas conflict began on October 7.
Dame Helen Mirren, Boy George and Sharon Osbourne are among stars who have signed an open letter supporting the country’s inclusion, after it was shared on non-profit body Creative Community For Peace, who campaign against cultural boycotts of Israel.
There was further controversy over Israel’s entry Eden singing October Rain, which contained lyrics that described the situation around the Hamas attack which killed around 1,200 people and took hundreds hostage.
Israel’s public broadcaster Kan later agreed to change the lyrics to the song, and said they had reached out to the songwriters to ‘readjust the texts, with full artistic freedom’ before being sent to the Eurovision Broadcasting Union for approval.
Their entry had come under fire after lyrics in the song prompted accusations that they are ‘spreading propaganda’ and that they contain a political message with reference to the Hamas attacks, with Golan having previously dedicated the track to the Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, saying: ‘We won’t truly be OK until everyone returns home.’
Lyrics in October Rain originally included: ‘There’s no air left to breathe / No place, no me from day to day.’
Meanwhile, the UK’s entry Olly Alexander has responded after being called on to boycott.
The Years & Years frontman, 33, will represent the UK at the competition in Sweden in May with his song Dizzy.
However last year the BBC was urged to drop him as the act after he reportedly endorsed a statement accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza in an open letter condemning the country as having an ‘apartheid regime’ that ‘acts to ethnically cleanse the land.’
After calls to boycott, he addressed the controversy in a letter of his own alongside other entrants from Ireland, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Switzerland, Denmark, Lithuania and Finland.
The statement read: ‘We want to begin by acknowledging the privilege of taking part in Eurovision.
‘In light of the current situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and particularly in Gaza, and in Israel, we do not feel comfortable being silent. It is important to us to stand in solidarity with the oppressed and communicate our heartfelt wish for peace, an immediate lasting ceasefire, and the safe return of all hostages.
‘We stand united against all forms of hate, including antisemitism and islamophobia.’
It continued: ‘We firmly believe in the unifying power of music, enabling people to transcend differences and foster meaningful conversations and connections.
‘We feel it is our duty to create and uphold this space, with a strong hope that it will inspire greater compassion and empathy.’
A spokesperson for Eurovision told Metro.co.uk: ‘The full list of participating broadcasters in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest was approved by the governing bodies of the European Broadcasting Union and has no connection with, or impact on, any pre-existing partnerships. We do not publicly share commercially sensitive information regarding the sponsors of the event.’
Metro.co.uk has approached Eurovision and Moroccan Oil for comment.
The Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final takes place on Saturday, May 11.
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