▸ Yes, after the war broke out between Israel and Hamas, there are many who question Israel’s participation in Eurovision this year. Despite this, the EBU, the European Radio and Television Union, has made the decision to let Israel participate in this year’s competition. This has led to people in several countries around Europe protesting against the country being allowed to participate. Many may remember that Russia was stopped from participating in 2022 after invading Ukraine. The EBU then considered that Russia did not meet the requirements needed to participate in the competition. The EBU has always been careful to point out that the Eurovision song contest is not political, that it should stand outside the competition. But the reality is different. Over the years, countries in conflict with each other have participated, such as Azerbaijan and Armenia and Cyprus and Turkey. SVT, which organizes the competition, has no power to stop Israel and Sweden cannot refuse to organize the competition if Israel participates – all decisions are simply made by the EBU. How does Israel’s involvement differ from Russia’s? Can other countries demand that Israel be stopped and will they even send a contribution this year?
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Israel and Eurovision
