What's happened
As the Eurovision Song Contest unfolds in Basel, Switzerland, protests against Israel's participation intensify. Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the October 7 Hamas attack, is set to perform her song 'New Day Will Rise' amid calls for Israel's exclusion from the event due to ongoing violence in Gaza. The contest runs from May 13 to 17, 2025.
What's behind the headline?
Political Context
The Eurovision Song Contest, traditionally a celebration of music and culture, has become a focal point for political tensions, particularly regarding Israel's participation amid its military actions in Gaza.
Protests and Public Sentiment
- Protests have erupted in Basel, with demonstrators calling for Israel's exclusion from the contest, citing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
- Activists argue that allowing Israel to participate contradicts Eurovision's values of peace and unity.
Impact on Participants
- Yuval Raphael's performance is expected to be met with mixed reactions, including protests and potential booing, reflecting the divided public sentiment.
- The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has faced criticism for its stance on Israel's participation, especially after banning Russia in 2022 over its invasion of Ukraine.
Future Implications
- The ongoing protests and public outcry may influence future decisions regarding participant eligibility in Eurovision, particularly concerning politically sensitive nations.
- As the contest progresses, the balance between artistic expression and political activism will continue to be scrutinized.
What the papers say
The coverage of Eurovision 2025 highlights contrasting perspectives on Israel's participation. The Times of Israel notes that the EBU has consistently rejected calls to exclude Israel, emphasizing its commitment to a universal event. In contrast, The New Arab reports on the significant protests against Israel's involvement, with activists arguing that it undermines the contest's values. The Scotsman provides a detailed account of the performances and the atmosphere in Basel, illustrating the tension between celebration and protest. This multifaceted coverage underscores the complexities of hosting an event like Eurovision in a politically charged environment.
How we got here
Israel's participation in Eurovision has sparked controversy due to its ongoing military actions in Gaza, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties. This year's contestant, Yuval Raphael, is a survivor of the October 7 attack, adding a personal narrative to the political tensions surrounding the event.
Go deeper
- What are the main themes of Yuval Raphael's song?
- How have past Eurovision contests handled political issues?
- What impact do protests have on the contest's atmosphere?
Common question
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Why is Israel's Participation in Eurovision 2025 Controversial?
As the Eurovision Song Contest approaches, the controversy surrounding Israel's participation has sparked significant debate. With calls for a boycott from former contestants and discussions about human rights violations, many are left wondering how this will impact the event and its participants. Here are some common questions and answers regarding this ongoing situation.
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Why Are Contestants Calling for Israel's Exclusion from Eurovision?
As the Eurovision Song Contest approaches, a significant controversy has emerged regarding Israel's participation. With calls from the reigning champion and numerous former contestants, the debate highlights the intersection of culture and politics in this beloved music competition. Below, we explore the reasons behind these calls, the potential impact on the contest, and the public's reaction.
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What are the controversies surrounding Eurovision 2025?
Eurovision 2025 is making headlines not just for its music but also for the controversies surrounding the event. With protests against Israel's participation amid ongoing violence in Gaza, many are questioning the implications of politics on this beloved cultural event. Below, we explore the key issues and standout performances that are shaping this year's contest.
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Why are there protests against Israel's entry in Eurovision 2025?
As the Eurovision Song Contest unfolds in Basel, Switzerland, significant protests have emerged against Israel's participation. This controversy is rooted in ongoing geopolitical tensions and the impact of recent events in Gaza. Below, we explore the reasons behind these protests, the implications for the event, and the broader context of Eurovision's history with political controversies.
More on these topics
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The Eurovision Song Contest is an international song competition organised annually by the European Broadcasting Union and featuring participants representing primarily European countries.
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Switzerland, officially the Swiss Confederation, is a country situated in the confluence of Western, Central, and Southern Europe. It is a federal republic composed of 26 cantons, with federal authorities based in Bern.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Basel or Basle is a city in northwestern Switzerland on the river Rhine. Basel is Switzerland's third-most-populous city with about 180,000 inhabitants.
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Gaza may refer to:
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The European Broadcasting Union is an alliance of public service media organisations, established on 12 February 1950. The organisation is made up of 115 member organisations in 56 countries, and 34 associate members from a further 21 countries.
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northÂwestern coast of the European mainland.