Palestine message leaves its mark on Eurovision's first semi-final
At the Eurovision Song Contest, which has been the target of criticism for a long time due to Israel's participation, a meaningful message came from the audience during the first semi-final. Some participants in the hall expressed their support for the people of Gaza with the Palestinian flags they held.
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The first semi-final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest was held in Basel, Switzerland.
Some spectators following the contest in person drew attention to the situation in Gaza by unfurling Palestinian flags.
While Israel has been criticized on the international stage for its intense operations in Gaza since October 2023, its presence at Eurovision has also become a major subject of debate. As criticism mounts ahead of the grand final on May 17, the Palestinian flag was frequently seen on screens during the first semi-final, in which Israel did not participate.
15 countries performed in the first semi-final. Through audience voting, Norway, Albania, Sweden, Iceland, the Netherlands, Poland, San Marino, Estonia, Portugal, and Ukraine succeeded in advancing to the final. Conversely, Azerbaijan, Slovenia, Belgium, Croatia, and the Republic of Cyprus bid farewell to the contest.
INTENSE SECURITY MEASURES IN BASEL
The security level in Basel, the host of Eurovision, has been raised to the highest level. A large-scale security plan has been implemented against potential security threats the event might create. According to the official statement, approximately 1,300 police officers will be on duty throughout the event. Additionally, the Swiss army will support these measures with 40 soldiers.
It was also stated that security will be coordinated at an international level and that French and German security teams will also be on duty in certain areas.
ISRAEL'S PARTICIPATION SPARKS MAJOR DEBATE
Yuval Raphael, representing Israel in the contest, will take the stage in the second semi-final on May 15 with the song “New Day Will Rise.” However, Israel's acceptance into the contest has brought about backlash against the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The fact that the EBU, which has banned Russia from the contest since 2022 due to the war in Ukraine, has not taken a similar step for Israel has led to criticisms of “hypocrisy” and “double standards.”
Basel is witnessing anti-Israel protests throughout the duration of the contest. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators, in particular, are reiterating their calls for Israel to be removed from Eurovision.
TENSION PREVAILED ON OPENING DAY
The opening ceremony of Eurovision on May 11 was held in front of the Basel City Hall. However, what happened during this ceremony overshadowed the music. “Anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrations left their mark.”
During the ceremony, representatives of 37 countries moved toward the “Eurovision village” on classic trams. However, a large number of pro-Palestinian activists drew attention in front of the city hall, where thousands of people had gathered. “Demonstrators carrying Palestinian flags and demanding the removal of Israel from the contest chanted anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian slogans.”
One of the protesters drew attention by stepping in front of the tram carrying the delegation participating on behalf of Israel, staging a sit-in protest with a Palestinian flag.