Malmo, Sweden – Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Malmo, Sweden, to protest Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. The protest stemmed from Israel’s removal of references to a Hamas attack in its song entry, a move that almost prevented their participation in the competition. The protesters, including prominent figures such as Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, gathered in Malmo’s historic Stortorget square before marching towards the Eurovision venue where singers from over 50 countries are competing.
The protesters, carrying Palestinian flags and wearing keffiyeh scarves, chanted slogans such as “From river to sea, Palestine will be free” and “Israel is a terror state.” Despite calls to expel Israel from the competition, Eurovision organizers defended their decision, stating that they aim to keep the competition nonpolitical. This stance has been criticized by some, pointing to the rejection of Russia in the 2022 competition after its invasion of Ukraine.
In an effort to maintain political neutrality, Eurovision organizers originally barred Israel’s song submission for violating their rules. However, Israel’s President Isaac Herzog intervened, prompting changes to the song. The revised entry, now titled “Hurricane,” features altered lyrics to comply with the competition’s guidelines.
The controversy surrounding Israel’s participation in Eurovision has sparked mixed reactions among attendees. Israel’s contestant, Eden Golan, faced booing during a dress rehearsal, but managed to secure a spot in the final competition. Pro-Palestinian protesters are expected to gather in Malmo again for the finals, reiterating their stance against Israel’s presence in the competition.
In response to the protests, pro-Israel demonstrators held a smaller rally in central Malmo, as concerns rose over potential targeting of Israeli citizens in the Swedish city during Eurovision. The ongoing tensions highlight the divisive nature of the competition, with conflicting views on whether music events should be free from political influences or serve as platforms for social activism. In the midst of this controversy, the Eurovision Song Contest continues to bring together performers and audiences from diverse backgrounds, showcasing the complexities and intersections of art, culture, and politics on a global stage.