Israel has advanced to the grand finale of the Eurovision Song Contest this weekend, despite protests in Sweden’s Malmo over its participation due to the ongoing bombardment in Palestinian territories.
Singer Eden Golan performed her song “Hurricane” in Thursday’s second semi-final without any disruptions in front of 9,000 spectators at the Malmo Arena. Golan secured her place in Saturday’s final through a televote.
Earlier in the day, over 10,000 people, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, gathered in Malmo’s main square to march against Israel’s participation. Protesters expressed their heartbreak over Israel’s presence in the contest while children are dying in Gaza.
Demonstrators carried signs reading “Liberate Palestine” and banners condemning the Eurovision contest for legitimising genocide and colonialism.
Around 50 protesters managed to reach the front of the Malmo Arena before being dispersed by police. Some protesters also entered the Eurovision Village, where the concert was screened on large displays. In a different area, about 100 counter-protesters gathered to express support for Israel under police protection.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wished Golan luck and denounced the protests as a horrible wave of anti-Semitism.
The recent conflict in Gaza began with an attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in over 1,170 deaths, according to Israeli figures. Israel retaliated with a military offensive that has so far claimed over 34,904 lives in Gaza, predominantly women and children.
Protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza have erupted on university campuses in North America, Europe, and Australia.
While Russia’s state broadcaster was excluded from the Eurovision contest in 2022 following the war in Ukraine, some protesters questioned why the same action was not taken against Israel. Several petitions have called for Israel’s exclusion from the Eurovision contest, and contestants from nine countries, including Swiss favourite Nemo, have urged for a lasting ceasefire.