Thousands of pro-Palestinian activists gathered in Malmo, Sweden, to protest Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. The demonstrators, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, marched through the city chanting slogans calling for a free Palestine and denouncing Israel’s actions in Gaza. The protest remained peaceful despite a strong police presence.
On the same day, a smaller pro-Israel rally was also held in Malmo. Organisers of Eurovision faced backlash for allowing Israel to compete, but ultimately let Israeli singer Eden Golan perform with a modified song title.
Despite some audience members booing during Golan’s performance, she received enough viewer votes to secure a spot in the final competition. Critics of Israel’s participation in Eurovision point out the expulsion of countries like Russia and Belarus in previous years for political reasons.
The controversy surrounding Israel’s involvement adds a layer of tension to the normally lighthearted music competition, highlighting the complex intersection of politics and entertainment on the global stage.