A London cinema threatened this week to cancel the screening of the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final if Israel remains in the competition, according to the Deadline.
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The Rio Cinema in East London, known for previously broadcasting the Grand Final and its ties with Eurovision Party London, declared its decision via social media, and added that it will continue to support Palestinian charities.
Video: Israel's revised Eurovision entry / Credit: Reuters
This stance isn't isolated, with recent calls from Belgian ministers for Israel's exclusion from the contest due to its anti-terrorism operation against Hamas. Controversy has also surrounded Britain's entry, Olly Alexander, for signing a petition critical of Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip. Conversely, notable figures including Helen Mirren have advocated for Israel's inclusion in the event.
The Israeli entry has faced challenges in balancing the Eurovision's apolitical mandate with national sentiment, leading to alterations in both the lyrics and title of Eden Golan's song from "October Rain" to "Hurricane" to comply with the European Broadcasting Union's guidelines.
The contest is scheduled to be held in Malmo, Sweden, on May 11.
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