According to reports in Israeli media outlets, a collective of more than 70 Eurovision Song Contest alumni has publicly demanded Israel's removal from this year's competition. In their signed statement, the former contestants criticized the European Broadcasting Union for allegedly endorsing Israeli military operations in Gaza and called for the expulsion of Kan, Israel's national broadcaster, from the organization's membership roster.
According to The Independent, the letter, addressed to the EBU, criticizes the organization for what signatories perceive as a double standard in allowing Israel to compete while having previously expelled Russia in 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine. "It can't be one rule for Russia and a completely different rule for Israel. You bomb, you're out," stated Thea Garrett, Malta's 2010 representative and one of the letter's signatories. The document further accuses Israel's national broadcaster KAN of complicity in what it terms "genocide against Palestinians" and claims the EBU is "normalising and whitewashing" Israel's actions through its continued participation.
In response to the current demands, the EBU has acknowledged concerns regarding the Middle East conflict and stated it maintains ongoing communication with this year's participants. The letter describes the 2024 competition as "the most politicised, chaotic and unpleasant" in Eurovision history. Last year's Eurovision contest was marked by significant controversy surrounding Israel's participation, with the Israeli delegation threatening to withdraw after contestant Eden Golan was required to modify her song "October Rain" due to perceived references to the October 7 attacks.
The Israeli delegation, led by this year's representative Yuval Raphael, arrived in Basel, Switzerland, on Monday, ahead of the first semi-finals scheduled for May 15. The 24-year-old Raphael survived the Nova Music Festival massacre, having been present when Hamas terrorists attacked the event on October 7, murdering hundreds of attendees and taking dozens hostage.
Calls for Israel's exclusion from the competition first emerged during last year's contest when Eden Golan represented the country. Delegates from several nations, including Ireland and Greece, visibly distanced themselves from the Israeli contestant. The protests escalated throughout the competition, with audience members audibly booing during Golan's performances from the semi-finals through to the final round. In subsequent interviews, Golan revealed she required extensive security protection and resorted to wearing a wig when leaving her hotel to avoid recognition due to concerns for her physical safety.
