“Staying silent makes us uncomfortable.” Around ten candidates for Eurovision 2024 published a press release on their social networks this Friday March 29 to call for an “immediate and lasting” ceasefire in Gaza, as well as the release of “all hostages” detained since October 7.
Olly Alexander (UK), Bambie Thug (Ireland), Gåte (Norway), iolanda (Portugal), Megara (San Marino), Saba (Denmark), Sylvester Belt (Lithuania) and the band Windows95Man (Finland) shared this short joint text in which they first underline the “privilege” which is theirs by “participating in Eurovision”.
“We remain united against all forms of hatred”
“In light of the current situation in the occupied territories, particularly in Gaza, and in Israel, remaining silent makes us uncomfortable,” declare the various candidates. They also insist on their desire for an appeasement of the situation on both sides: “It is important for us to show our solidarity with those who are oppressed and to convey our sincere wish for peace, for an immediate ceasefire and lasting and the safe return of all hostages. We remain united against all forms of hatred, including anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.”
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— olly alexander (@alexander_olly) March 29, 2024
Finally, they call for Eurovision to remain a competition synonymous with sharing between artists and the public, through music: “We firmly believe in the power of music to unite, which allows people to overcome their differences and to encourage fruitful conversations and meetings. We believe it is our duty to create and maintain this space, with the deep hope that it can generate more compassion and empathy,” assure the nine candidate signatories.
Belgian candidate Mustii also subsequently relayed the message on his Instagram account, adding his signature. Slimane, who was chosen to represent France with “Mon Amour”, has not yet shared or reacted to this text. In total, 37 countries including Israel are participating in Eurovision 2024 which will be held in Malmö (Sweden) from May 7 to 11.
Israeli participation, bone of contention
Despite several twists and turns and song proposals rejected by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), organizer of the competition, Israel will participate in the 68th edition of the European song competition. It is the young Eden Golan who will represent her country with the song “Hurricane”.
Also read Eurovision 2024: why the case of Israel is debated between the participating countries
Israeli participation was subject to numerous criticisms within the participating countries themselves. Several countries have asked the EBU to exclude Israel, modeled on what happened with Russia in 2022. Some national broadcasters, like Iceland, have even faced demonstrations to protest their choice of maintain their participation in Eurovision, while Israel was present.