Thousands of people demonstrated peacefully in the streets of Malmö, Sweden, protesting Israel’s participation in Eurovision, just hours before the country’s entry in the contest was announced.
“I’m a Eurovision fan and it breaks my heart, but I’m boycotting it,” explained Hilda, a 30-year-old Swede with dyed pink hair. “I can’t have fun knowing that Israel is involved when all these children are dying. I think it’s unfair,” he added, speaking to AFP reporters.
Israel’s participation in the European competition, the final of which will be held on Saturday in Malmö, is causing tensions due to the war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Many in Europe called for the country to be banned. In late March, participants from nine countries, including Switzerland’s Nemo, one of the favourites, called for a permanent ceasefire.
Israel’s Eden Golan performed ‘Hurricane’ at Eurovision and the stands loudly booed the performance, chanting ‘Free Palestine’. At the same time, pro-Palestine flags and symbols were raised, which has been banned by the organizing authority EBU.
The approximately 5,000 protesters marched from Malmö’s central square, carrying Palestinian flags and placards with slogans such as “Free Palestine” and “EUR legitimizes genocide”.
Climate activist Greta Thunberg, who is known for her pro-Palestinian positions, also participated in the march. Many families also participated. “My children are six and nine, at an age where they want to see Eurovision but this year we are boycotting it completely,” said Cecilia Brundel, 31.
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