The Guardian May 16, 2025 Why is Israel still in Eurovision? The answer is more complex than you might think
The war in Gaza means the European Broadcasting Union is risking its liberal reputation, but to ban Israel would be to undermine the organisation’s fundamental purpose.
As they get ready to watch this year’s final on Saturday, many Eurovision fans will be feeling conflicted. Some will not watch at all.
The reason is the participation of Israel.
Isn’t Eurovision supposed to be about “love, love, peace, peace” (as the 2016 contest’s Swedish hosts so memorably portrayed it)? If so, they may ask, what’s the besieger of Gaza doing there?
Originally Posted by Kangaroo Don
The EBU steadfastly refused calls earlier this year to bar Israel from the 2024 competition in Malmo, Sweden, noting that the contest is between public broadcasters, not governments and that Israel remained fully eligible to participate
The EBU which runs the contest, has indicated that it will not accede to calls for Israel to be banned next year
