Call for peace amid controversy
A group of artists participating in Eurovision 2024 have issued an urgent call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire between Israel and Gaza. Israel’s offensive against Hamas, which has resulted in large numbers of civilian casualties, has led to disagreements over the organization of the festival.
The petition, backed by representatives of several countries, calls on both Israel and Hamas to stop hostilities and release Israelis kidnapped during an attack in October 2023, which sparked the current conflict.
The artists express their solidarity with those affected and express their desire for peace, reaffirming their opposition to all types of hatred, including anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.
The unifying power of music
The signatories of the manifesto believe in the power of music to unite people across differences, fostering meaningful conversations and emotional connections. They see it as their responsibility to create and defend this space, in the hopes of inspiring greater compassion and empathy.
Although it is unknown how this statement was created and whether other Eurovision artists were invited to participate, Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2024 has generated controversy from the beginning. Criticism has been directed at the European Broadcasting Union for allowing his candidacy, despite widespread rejection.
The EBU expressed its opposition to the political content of the songs proposed by the Israeli delegation, demanding modifications for their acceptance.
