When the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 takes place in Malmö, security is sky high. The fact that Israel is allowed to compete in the music competition has caused strong reactions, and thousands have shown their displeasure by demonstrating in the streets of Malmö.
Israel is represented by the singer Eden Golan20, who performs the song “Hurricane” about the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas.
Eden Golan competes for Israel. Image source: Ida Marie Odgaard/Ritzau Scanpix/TT Bild
After the Hamas terrorist attack, Israeli forces have invaded Gaza. According to UN (United Nations, UN) Israeli forces have killed over 30,000 Palestinian civilians, and injured over 70,000 Palestinians. According to Reuters a total of 13,000 Palestinian children have been killed by Israeli forces.
Over 1,200 Israelis were killed and hundreds taken hostage by Hamas during their terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has CNN reported. Among the dead were at least 33 children, and 40 children were captured by Hamas, the human rights organization said Human Rights Watch.
That Israel is allowed to compete despite the ongoing invasion of Gaza has created a big debate in Sweden.
Eric Saade mass reported to the Review Board
During the first semi-final of Eurovision 2024, the artist made a coup Eric Saade, 33, put a Palestinian flag on stage. Eric’s father Walid is Palestinian, and he was the one who gave his son the Keffiyeh that Saade wore on stage when he performed his Mello hit “Manboy”.
Eric Saade wore a Palestine shawl around his wrist. Image source: Jessica Gow/TT Bild
Today could News24 tell us that Saade’s actions provoked strong reactions from hundreds of viewers, who have chosen to report SVT’s Eurovision feature with Eric Saade to the Review Board.
Eric Saade himself defended his coup. In a message to SVT, he wrote:
“I got that shawl from my father as a little boy, to never forget where the family comes from. I didn’t know then that it would one day be called a ‘political symbol’. It’s like calling the Dala horse a political symbol. In my eyes, it’s just racism. I just wanted to be inclusive and wear something that’s authentic to me – but the EBU thinks my ethnicity is controversial. It says everything about them. I say this year’s Esc slogan: United by music “.
Thousands of protesters showed their displeasure over Israel’s participation in the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in Malmö Arena. Image source: Johan Nilsson/TT Image “Jews against genocide” reads a protester’s placard. Image from the “Stop Israel” demonstration in Malmö on May 9, 2024. Image source: Johan Nilsson/TTEric Saade is supported by Swedish celebrities
Although Saade has been met with massive criticism, he has also been supported and praised by several well-known Swedes. “You killed it brother,” wrote Alexandra Pascalidou, and also profiles like Silvana Imam, Farah Abadi, Laila Bagge and Kenza Zouiten Subosic have come out and shown their support.
“Absolutely sick. Hats off to Eric Saade,” influencer Kenza wrote, ending with a red heart.
Also the comedian, actor and Masked Singer panelist Nour El-Refai now showing their support for Eric Saade.
Nour El-Refai. Image source: Anders Wiklund/TT Bild
On her Instagram Story this week, she published a picture where she poses in a monk’s jacket with a portrait of Eric Saade on it. For the picture, Nour simply wrote “fangirl”. In addition to that, Nour has started following Eric on Instagram.
There you see!
Nour El-Refai’s unexpected words about Eric Saade. Image source: Instagram/nourbilder