Not content with simply disrupting the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza, some in Europe are now also trying to ban Israel from participating in the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. That’ll show them!
Spanish officials, always keen to voice their anti-Israeli sentiments, asked for a discussion to take place on Israel’s participation due to “concerns” about “the situation in Gaza.” The European Broadcasting Union, which organises the contest, rejected their request.
In Finland, too, more than 100,000 people have signed a petition calling for their national broadcaster to push for an Israeli ban.
Anti-Israeli hatred was so bad at the time of last year’s Eurovision contest in Sweden that snipers were deployed on rooftops to protect against Islamist threats, and Israel’s entrant was told to stay locked up in her hotel room other than during performances.
Despite all this—and despite judges admitting to snubbing Israel’s performance—Israel won the popular vote in 15 countries, more than any other contestant, proving that the majority of the European people are more supportive of the only democracy in the Middle East than their leaders.
This year’s song contest will take place in Basel, Switzerland, in May.
