Eurovision 2024: First 10 countries secure spot in Grand Final
USA TodayMAY 16 2024
Organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest have expressed their "regret" after Eric Saade — the 2011 winner from this year's host country, Sweden — performed while wearing a keffiyeh around his wrist, the Arabic shawl which has become synonymous with pro-Palestine protests.
Last week, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the televised extravaganza, said that Palestinian flags, as well as any other political banners or messages, would be banned from the event — citing a need for the contest to remain apolitical.
In a statement following Tuesday's performance, the EBU said: "All performers are aware of the rules of the competition, and we regret that Eric Saade chose to compromise the non-political nature of the event. We are happy to discuss this with him after the live broadcast, if necessary."
There are valid reasons why Israel is allowed to compete in this event while Russia and Belarus are not. Their public broadcasters have repeatedly breached the member obligations of the EBU, while the Israeli broadcaster Kan has not. As such, removing Israel would have been a political decision.
This is pure hypocrisy from the EBU. In an event about joy and unity, artists should have the ability to not share the stage with those from nations who engage in the killing of children and civilians. The EBU should ban Israel just as it did with Russia.