There have been numerous voices calling for Israel to be excluded from the Eurovision Song Contest since the start of the crisis in Gaza in October. Many participating countries have witnessed protests, and many artists who were competing in national selections have expressed doubts and worries about taking part in Eurovision because of Israel’s presence.
But in spite of all the criticism, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) chose to list Israel among the participating nations for Eurovision 2024, a move that incited more criticism.
A press release from the EBU has been prepared to address any frequently asked questions regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2024.
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.
EBU’s official response on Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2024 was given back in February by the organization’s General Director, Noel Curran.
Israel will participate in Malmö with Eden Golan and her song “Hurricane“. Eden Golan will perform fourteenth in the second semi-final on May 9.
You can also watch EurovisionFun’s reaction video on “Hurricane“, below:
Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!
