Israel on May 15th qualified for the grand final of Eurovision, following an attempt to disrupt the country’s dress rehearsal by protestors, according to the BBC.
Israel’s act, Yuval Raphael, who is 24-years-old, was performing during a preview programme on the afternoon of May 15th when six people decided to block her act. The individuals had whistles and large Palestinian flags.
The audience were swiftly removed from St Jakobshalle arena, according to SRG SSR – the Swiss broadcaster that has organised the competition event. Raphael said her team had played noises of the audience during her rehearsals, so she can practice effectively despite distractions.
The interrupted performance occurs amid major controversy about Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2025, according to NME on May 16th. The conflict in Gaza and military blockade of food and humanitarian aid has fuelled this international dispute.
Last year’s Eurovision winner joined increasing demands to exclude Israel from this year’s contest, the New Arab reported on May 10th. Swiss vocalist Nemo, who won the competition in 2024 with “The Code,” told The Huffington Post UK that Israel opposes Eurovision’s principles. Nemo stated Eurovision values and stands for “peace, unity, and respect for human rights.” In response to Israel’s military operation in Gaza, Nemo said: “I don’t support the fact that Israel is part of Eurovision at the moment.”
In the weeks leading up to Eurovision, broadcasters in Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia called for a debate on Israel’s involvement. Small protests appeared in Basel’s streets, in Switzerland, where this year’s contest took place.
Subsequently, more than 70 former participants signed an open letter this month. In the letter, they urged the European Broadcasting Union, which organises Eurovision, to review Israel’s involvement.
BBC, NME, The New Arab
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