This week, Malmo, the third-largest city in Sweden, is the center of attention due to the Eurovision Song Contest. Every year, around 150 million people watch the sport, which its organizers claim is apolitical. That event, however, is probably not going to happen this year.
Given its war on Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of over 34,500 Palestinians, Israel is expected to take part despite protests and calls for a boycott. More than a thousand Swedish artists called for a boycott of Israel in the lead-up to Eurovision, but their demands were turned down. Israel is taking part with Hurricane; the song was originally titled October Rain, which the organizers felt to be too political and implied a reference to the October 7 attacks in Israel.
In support of Palestinians, about twenty percent of the performers who were supposed to compete at Eurovision have withdrawn. Magnus Carlsson, a former member of Alcazar, one of Sweden’s most popular music groups, and hip-hop duo Medina are two of them.
Apart from the anticipated pro-Palestine demonstrations in Sweden, the competition that allowed Israel to join has sparked a number of protests and alerted the Swedish authorities to a series of planned Quran burnings.The Swedish government has denounced the act as Islamophobic, but the Ministry for Foreign Affairs emphasized that Sweden has a “constitutionally protected right to freedom of assembly, expression, and demonstration.” These burnings tend to deplete security resources.
Additionally, organizers have been compelled by the demonstrations to reconsider the scheduled activities for Eurovision week. Activities on what is known as Eurovision Street, which often has a festive vibe, have been postponed.
The boycotting organizations clarify that their goal is more than just stopping Eurovision from happening. They intend to overrun the city with substitute events.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, a group of organizations working to end the embargo on Gaza, is organizing a ship called The Ship to Gaza. This week, it will dock in the city and hold a number of family-friendly events, such as poetry readings, face painting, and live music.
On May 11, at Malmo, an alternative music concert dubbed Falastinvision will take place as part of a demonstration in support of the Palestinians in Gaza.
Russia was prohibited from competing in the competition by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which produces Eurovision, on February 25, 2022, a day after Moscow’s soldiers invaded Ukraine in full. The body stated that a Russian entry “would bring the competition into disrepute”. Many have demonstrated against what they perceive to be a discriminatory policy, considering Israel’s growing military assaults and hostilities with Gaza.
Those attending the Eurovision Song Contest are permitted to carry and fly the flags of any of the 37 participating nations, including Israel. The rainbow and pride flags are the sole exceptions. Pro-Palestinian banners and Palestinian flags are prohibited during the performance.
Earlier today, during the dress rehearsal, Israeli singer Edan Golan was jeered by the audience. As Hurricane was being performed live for the first time, some spectators yelled “Free Palestine!” in protest of Israel’s involvement.
The booing and chanting can be heard throughout Edan’s performance in social media footage shot by those in attendance, nearly drowning her out. These individuals were quickly taken into custody by the police officers stationed inside the Malmö Arena.
“Israel getting booed at Eurovision,” wrote an X user alongside a video of the disturbance. It is delightful to watch.
Heres another video pic.twitter.com/x0h85NiC08
— Escxfav🇮🇪🇨🇭🇭🇷 (@Escxfav2) May 8, 2024
“Perhaps the most booing I’ve ever heard at #Eurovision, but no major disruptions of Israel at the first show with a crowd,” commented a another user.
Easily the most booing I’ve ever heard at #Eurovision but no major disruptions of Israel at the first show with a crowd. pic.twitter.com/QGHoWLXWcq
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) May 8, 2024
The EBU expressed its “regret” for allowing Swedish singer Eric Saade to perform at the contest’s opening after he showed support for Palestine by wearing a scarf around his wrist, which prompted the booing of Israel.
I am a dedicated student currently in my seventh semester, pursuing a degree in International Relations. Alongside my academic pursuits, I am actively engaged in the professional field as a content writer at the Rangeinn website.