The Eurovision Song Contest, a festivity of music and unity, is facing renewed controversy as calls for Israel’s exclusion intensify. Ireland’s public broadcaster, RTÉ, has requested discussions with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) regarding Israel’s participation. This comes as 72 former eurovision contestants have urged the EBU to ban the Israeli broadcaster, Kan, from the upcoming event in Basel, Switzerland.

RTÉ’s Concerns and Stance

Kevin Bakhurst, the director general of RTÉ, expressed his concerns in a statement, saying he was appalled by the ongoing events in the Middle East and by the horrific impact on civilians in Gaza, and the fate of israeli hostages. He emphasized the need to maintain RTÉ’s objectivity while covering the conflict in Gaza, acknowledging the severe political pressure on Kan from the Israeli government.

Israel’s Long History with Eurovision

Israel has been a participant in Eurovision since 1973, marking its place as the first non-European country to join the competition. However, its continued presence has faced scrutiny, especially amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Past Controversies and Calls for Exclusion

Last year’s Eurovision event in Malmö,Sweden,also saw calls for Israel’s exclusion. The irish contestant, Bambie Thug, was instructed by the EBU to remove Ogham script from their body that spelled out Ceasefire and Freedom for Palestine.

israel’s 2025 Representative

This year, Israel is set to be represented by Yuval Raphael, a 24-year-old singer who survived the Hamas massacre at the Nova music festival near the Gaza border on Oct. 7,2023.The attacks resulted in 1,200 deaths and precipitated the ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza, which has tragically killed more than 52,000 peopel.

Musicians’ Open Letter and Allegations

An open letter signed by 72 musicians,lyricists,and performers associated with Eurovision calls for Kan’s exclusion. the letter alleges that the broadcaster is complicit in Israel’s genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza and the decades-long regime of apartheid and military occupation against the entire Palestinian people. The signatories argue that Kan’s inclusion would allow music to be used as a tool to whitewash crimes against humanity, creating a double standard given russia’s ban since 2022 due to the invasion of Ukraine.

The letter references instances where Kan journalists allegedly endorsed military actions or boasted about the destruction in gaza, further substantiating claims of complicity.

Signatories and Political Statements

Notable signatories of the letter include former Eurovision winners Salvador Sobral (Portugal), Fernando Tordo (portugal), and Charlie McGettigan (Ireland), as well as Mae Muller (British singer), La Zarra (France), Ásdís (Iceland), and Gåte (Norway).

Six European foreign ministers from Ireland, Iceland, Luxembourg, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain issued a joint statement expressing grave concern about the reported Israeli plans to expand its military operations in Gaza and to establish a prolonged israeli presence in the strip.

EBU’s Response

the EBU has stated that none of its members have publicly opposed Kan’s participation.A spokesperson added:

We understand the concerns and deeply held views around the current conflict in the Middle East. The EBU is not immune to global events but, together with our members, it is our role to ensure the contest remains, at its heart, a global event that promotes connections, diversity and inclusion through music.

EBU Spokesperson

The EBU aims to maintain a positive and inclusive surroundings, aspiring to show the world as it could be, rather than how it necessarily is.