Over 15,000 individuals rallied in Malmö, Sweden to express their opposition to the Israel-Hamas conflict and the decision to let Israel's entrant participate in the Eurovision Song Contest and upcoming final. Videos spread on social media show protesters chanting phrases like "We will crush zionism" and "There's only 1 solution. Intifada revolution."
Despite protests that saw more than 10,000 people turn out against Israel ahead of Golan’s performance Thursday, Israel advanced to the finals and is currently one of the favorites to win the event, with bookers ranking her second behind Croatia’s Baby Lasagna. Golan was met with boos before, during, and after her performance in the semi-finals and again Friday night during rehearsals.
The finale round will begin at 9 p.m. Central European Summer Time (3 p.m. EDT).
Though organizers of the 68th Eurovision contest have attempted to keep politics out of the event as per usual, tensions have been simmering since Eden Golan’s song “October Rain” was approved for the competition. This year’s Eurovision has taken place as the Israeli-Hamas war has continued to bring devastation to Gaza.
Israel’s security agency Shin Bet ordered Golan to remain in her hotel room on Saturday ahead of the final after thousands of people staged a protest outside.
Protestors in Malmö include Greta Thunberg, who joined thousands of people in the city’s streets on Friday. Thunberg tweeted, “Malmö says NO to genocide! People from all over Sweden are gathering in Malmö this week, where Eurovision is taking place, to protest against Israel’s participation in the competition and to demand a #FreePalestine and #CeasefireNow!”
“Yesterday we were tens of thousands people flooding the streets of Malmö. We will not accept that a country currently committing genocide is allowed a platform to artwash themselves. The world cannot remain silent in a genocide. Everyone who can must use their voice and speak up against Israel’s crimes and occupation.”
Golan has also been met with disdain from her fellow contestants. On Friday, Greek contestant Marina Satti pretended to fall asleep as Golan answered questions from reporter about her song. TV journalist Miha Schwartzenberg shared a video online and tweeted, “This is Greece representative singer at @Eurovision , @marina_satti .An embarrassment for Greece and for every decent #Greek person.”
“Pretending to fall asleep while the Israel’s contestant is speaking is not just bad education or pure jew-hatred,but also a stain over the greek nation she represents in front of the world,” Schwartzenberg added.
Irish contestant Bambie Ray Robinson, known by their stage name Bambie Thug also complained about commentary from Israel’s Kan, the country’s public broadcasting corporation, only hours before Saturday’s final.
They wrote in an Instagram Story, “There was a situation while we were waiting to go to stage for the flag parade rehearsal which I felt needed urgent attention from the EBU—the EBU have taken this matter seriously and we have discussed about what action needs to be taken.”
On Tuesday, Kan had warned its viewers that Bambie Thug’s rendition of their song “Doomsday Blue” will be the most frightening of the evening. The commentator stated, “There will be a lot of spells, black magic, dark clothing, Satanic symbols, and voodoo dolls, reminiscent of the goth culture in Cats Square in Jerusalem during the 1990s.”
The commentator also mentioned that Bambie Thug enjoys expressing negative views about Israel.
On Saturday, Bambie Thug expressed frustration with other teams breaking the rules of the EBU and still being permitted to participate. He declared, “So there’s certainly a strong urge within me to elevate the performance even further than before.”
