SPSC joins the global boycott of Eurovision

SPSC joins the global boycott of Eurovision. The BBC, as a corporation, should not be broadcasting the competition again this year.

Five countries have withdrawn from the competition, as calls grow for Israel to be banned as its illegal actions continue in Gaza and Palestine. Once again, the UK has refused to take a stand, unlike countries such as Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia and Iceland, where opposition to Israel’s participation has become increasingly vocal. Russia was swiftly removed from Eurovision four years ago, exposing clear double standards.

While Gaza continues to burn, Israel once again seeks to polish its international image in Vienna. Less than two weeks ago, 181 members of the global flotilla were intercepted over 1,000 kilometres from occupied Palestine, in Greek waters, while attempting to challenge the siege on Gaza. Activists were detained, two remain jailed, including a European citizen, in what international observers describe as a clear violation of human rights aimed at silencing international solidarity with Palestinians. 

In 2024, SPSC comrades joined protests in Malmö, Sweden, during the hosting of Eurovision. The streets were filled with thousands of demonstrators, while access to the Eurovision arena was heavily policed by armed officers, and public transport was stopped from going into the area. We spoke to residents about the impact the competition had on their city. 

‘I think it’s a shame for the city and the country for not sticking up for the people of Palestine. Politically, it has been a disaster.’

‘With everything happening in Gaza because of Israel’s actions, it leaves a bad taste in our mouths.’

Eurovision used to be a fun, light-hearted Saturday night entertainment show for everyone to enjoy, celebrating the culture and diversity of different European countries, even if in a cheesy way. It has also become a touchstone for the LGBT community. What has become an institution of joy and pride is tainting itself more and more every year that it continues to associate itself with Israel's pinkwashing propaganda machine. 

As Israel performed at the semi-final on Thursday, shouts of ‘stop, stop the genocide!’, could be heard clearly throughout the arena as an audience member was handcuffed and dragged out by security. Obviously, these chants were omitted from the final broadcast. How long can Eurovision ignore public opinion and continue to platform the terror state?

The future of Eurovision depends on institutions taking a stand against the illegal actions of Israel. The BDS movement continues to call for this accountability, arguing that without it, the competition will continue to leave a bad taste in everyone’s mouth.

UNTIL ISRAEL IS BANNED FROM THE EUROVISION SONG CONTEST, WE JOIN THE CALL FOR:

• Eurovision participants to refuse to perform
• National broadcasters to withdraw from Eurovision
• Local venues to cancel their Eurovision screening parties and instead host educational events about Israel’s pinkwashing

Comrades to join SPSC and the international BDS movement and help us to organise locally.