"Five countries are boycotting the 70th edition of Eurovision on May 16 in protest over Israel's genocidal war on Gaza. Eurovision, the annual international music pageant watched and adored by millions of viewers around the world, begins this week despite boycotts over Israel's participation. The televised final round of the music contest is scheduled to take place on May 16 in Austria's capital, Vienna, this year and will mark Eurovision's 70th anniversary."
"Israeli singer Noam Bettan will be representing the country in Vienna this year. He will perform a pop song called Michelle. But five countries the Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain and Iceland are boycotting this year's contest due to Israel's participation. They have cited Israel's genocidal war on Palestinians in Gaza which has so far killed at least 72,740 people as the main reason."
"Besides these countries, more than 1,000 musicians and cultural workers have signed an open letter calling for others to boycott the contest. They have also criticised the contest's organisers of hypocrisy, as Russia has been banned from participating due to its war in Ukraine. So, why is Israel allowed to participate in Eurovision? Here's what we know: The Eurovision Song Contest, which began in 1956, is an annual event organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU)."
"According to the Eurovision website, the contest is co-produced by EBU and its member broadcasters, most notably the public broadcaster of the preceding winning country, the Host Broadcaster. Austria won last year's contest with the song Wasted Love, which was performed by artist JJ in Basel, Switzerland. Despite its name, the contest is not restricted to European nations. All countries with broadcast operations located in Europe are eligible to take part. The contest organisations can also make special invitations."
Five countries are boycotting the 70th Eurovision Song Contest on May 16 in Vienna, Austria, citing Israel’s war on Gaza and its impact on Palestinians. Israel will still participate, with Israeli singer Noam Bettan representing the country and performing the pop song “Michelle.” Eurovision is an annual music contest organized by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and co-produced with member broadcasters, including the host broadcaster from the preceding winning country. Eligibility is based on broadcast operations located in Europe, not on nationality. The contest can also issue special invitations, such as inviting Australia’s SBS in 2015. Additional musicians and cultural workers have called for broader boycotts and criticized perceived hypocrisy regarding Russia’s ban over its war in Ukraine.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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