Reactions on the streets of Malmö to Israel’s participation in Eurovision – The singer representing the country took to the stage for her rehearsal to loud boos from the audience
Thousands of people demonstrated peacefully today in the streets of Malmö, Sweden, in protest for Israel’s participation in Eurovisiona few hours before the participation of this country in the competition was presented.
“I’m a Eurovision fan and it breaks my heart, but I’m boycotting itexplained Hilda, a 30-year-old Swedish woman with dyed pink hair.
“I can’t have fun knowing that Israel is involved when all these kids are dying. I believe it is unfair“, he added, speaking to AFP journalists.
Israel’s participation in the European competition, the final of which will be held on Saturday in Malmö, is causing tensions due to the war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Many in Europe called for the country to be banned.
In late March, participants from nine countries, including Switzerland’s Nemo, one of the favourites, called for a permanent ceasefire.
BREAKING: Wow.
Happening now in Malmo, Sweden.
HUGE pro-Palestine protest opposing Israel’s participation in Eurovision.
— sarah (@sahouraxo) May 9, 2024
Israel’s Eden Golan will participate tonight in the second semi-final, with the song “Hurricane”.
“It is not fair. In my view, if they can exclude Russia, why can’t they do it for Israel?” asked Marwa Mustafa, a young protester. “People are here for Eurovision, to try and celebrate. There is nothing to celebrate. We say we are a democracy, but nobody does anything“, commented 29-year-old Mustafa Mustafa, who had his shoulders covered with a Palestinian headscarf.
The roughly 5,000 protesters marched from Malmö’s central square, carrying Palestinian flags and placards with slogans such as “Free Palestine” and “EUR legitimizes genocide».
The climate activist Greta Thunberg also participated in the march, which is known for its pro-Palestinian positions. Many families also participated. “My children are six and nine, at an age where they want to see Eurovision but this year we are boycotting it completely,” said Cecilia Brundel, 31.
Jewish singers are not welcome in Malmo… #Sweden thank you EU leaders.
I always felt growing up that we just didn’t have enough giant protests against Jews who wanted to sing. #EdenGolan you are phenomenal. Belt it out as if you were singing for every one of us who say… pic.twitter.com/T7wP4bugxV— MummyisTired (@MummyisT) May 9, 2024
Ten of the 16 countries competing tonight will meet on Saturday in the final, where they will face Sweden (title holders), the Big Five (Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Britain) and the other 10 who qualified from Tuesday’s semifinal.
Source :Skai
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