Israel advances to Eurovision final despite protests over its participation
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Pro-Palestinian protesters in Malmö, Sweden on May 9. Photo: Atila Altuntas/Anadolu via Getty Images
Israel has secured a spot in the Eurovision Song Contest's final on Saturday, despite protests over its participation in the competition.
Why it matters: As demonstrations over the Israel-Hamas war have shaken college campuses across the U.S. and around the world, protests at the singing competition shine a global spotlight on the unpopularity of Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip.
- Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators on Thursday took to the streets of Malmö, Sweden, where the event is being held, to protest Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest.
The latest: Israeli singer Eden Golan, 20, participated in Thursday's semi-final with her song "Hurricane."
- Some members of the audience booed before, during and after Golan's performance, though others waved Israeli flags and applauded, Reuters reported.
- 26 countries will participate in Saturday's final.
The big picture: Months of criticism preceded Israel's participation in this year's Eurovision.
- European Broadcasting Union Director General Noel Curran defended Israel's inclusion in the competition in January, saying Eurovision "is a non-political music event ... It is not a contest between governments."
- Amid a heavy police presence, protesters on Thursday called for a ceasefire in Gaza and denounced Israel's participation ahead of the day's semi-final. Protests are also planned for Saturday's final, per the AP.
- "Eurovision shame on you! Blood is on your hands too!" protesters shouted, the Washington Post reported.
Zoom in: Golan's dress rehearsal Wednesday for the semi-final was interrupted by booing from audience members, per the AP.
- "I am proud to represent my country, particularly this year," Golan said in a statement the Times of Israel reported Wednesday.
- "I am receiving support and love and I am determined to give my best performance tomorrow in the semifinal and nothing will deter me from that goal!"
- Golan faced death threats ahead of the contest, per the Post.
State of play: The European Broadcasting Union, which organizes the contest, has faced criticism for allowing Israel to compete even though it banned Russia from the 2022 contest after its invasion of Ukraine.
- "The Israel public service broadcaster has been a member of the EBU for over 60 years," the EBU said in a statement earlier this year.
- "The Russian public service broadcasters had their EBU membership suspended in 2022 due to consistent breaches of membership obligations and the violation of public service media values," it added.
Zoom out: Pro-Palestinian protesters have also voiced opposition to Israel's participation in this summer's Olympic Games in Paris.
- Russian and Belarusian athletes were banned from competing in the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Editor's note: This story was updated with new developments.
