Eurovision’s Double Standard: Politics, Favoritism, and Israel’s Participation

Neve Walker

Staff Writer

The Eurovision Song Contest is a gathering of European countries to celebrate music, culture, and unity. It should be an apolitical event, a celebration where countries set aside differences to come together in music. Yet, year after year, it is proven that politics cannot remain rested. This was especially evident in last year’s incident between Dutch performer Joost Klein and a camera operator, resulting in the disqualification of Klein, according to BBC News.

According to the New York Times, after his semi-final performance, Klein was recorded against his wishes walking to the green room. After this, the camera operator claimed Klein made a “threatening move” towards her, prompting a police investigation, although there was no physical contact in any way. This resulted in his disqualification, although the police report later showed insufficient evidence. Rumors and tensions then spread regarding his disqualification. Many believe that he was disqualified not for this incident but about his ongoing criticism of Israel’s participation. During a press conference, a question was asked to an Israeli performer about if they feel safe being there and was told she did not have to answer, Klein yelled out from the audience “Why not?,” highlighting many peoples frustration that a non-European country has the privilege to bomb hospitals, schools, UN buildings, flotillas, aid trucks, civilian areas, and slaughter thousands while also performing in a singing competition. 

This incident goes deeper than “let us keep politics out of it.” Why should we? Would a Palestinian child starving to death agree that Israel deserves the honor of performing in Eurovision as a permanent member? No. 

This is more than a matter of controversy; it is a question of diplomacy. First, Israel is not a European country, yet has been granted a permanent spot at Eurovision, a status held by no other non-European country. By bending the rules for Israel alone, the European Broadcasting Union is signaling favoritism that undermines the credibility of Eurovision as an inclusive, apolitical cultural forum. 

If Russia can be excluded from Eurovision due to its actions in Ukraine, then Israel should be excluded for inflicting genocide on an entire group of people, as reported by NBC News. Sixty-five thousand people have been slaughtered since October 2023 and millions more are estimated to be displaced, starved, and infected with disease, reports Reuters. People are dying from bombings and lack of aid, yet we continue to let Israel participate. If we do not hold these countries to the same standard, then Eurovision will become an arena where politics and power dictate who belongs, rather than a stage where music transcends borders. 

To include Israel while also denying participation to other non-European nations is not just politically charged, it is bad diplomacy. It damages Eurovision’s credibility, it alienates its audience, and it ensures that the contest will remain overshadowed by political controversy rather than musical celebration. 

Image courtesy of Getty Images.