We demand that the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) oppose the participation of Israel in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, in light of Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza, war crimes, crimes against humanity, apartheid regime, and unlawful occupation of Palestinian territories.

Eurovision promotes itself as a celebration of "universality, diversity, equality and inclusivity". It cited these values after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, stating that including Russia "would bring the competition into disrepute". Allowing a state to participate while it commits genocide makes a mockery of these values.

SBS, Australia's Eurovision broadcaster, has Charter obligations to promote understanding and acceptance of cultural diversity. Their stated values include "We don't tolerate inequality", "We don't accept the status quo" and "We don't sit on the sidelines".

Israeli Eurovision broadcaster Kan has been actively complicit in the genocide. In late 2023, it aired a whimsical segment in which a news presenter cheerfully signed bombs with messages like "to Gaza with love" and counted down their launch into Gaza.

Despite all this, when questioned in Parliament, SBS utterly betrayed their values by falsely claiming that their commitment to "impartial coverage" of news and current affairs means they can't "state a position" on Israel's participation in Eurovision.

We urge SBS to:

1. Publicly call upon the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to disqualify Israel from Eurovision until it ceases all violations of international law and human rights, and complies with all relevant United Nations resolutions and World Court rulings;
2. Immediately withdraw Australia's participation in Eurovision, joining the broadcasters of Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain.

The cultural boycotts that helped end apartheid in South Africa, and the exclusion of Russia from Eurovision, demonstrate that cultural pressure is both morally necessary and politically effective.

By taking these actions, SBS will join a growing number of broadcasters worldwide pledging to boycott the event, show solidarity with victims of atrocities and oppression, uphold its commitment to ethical broadcasting, and join the global demand for justice and human rights.

Issuing a statement before Israel's performer is announced emphasises that this action is clearly directed at the state of Israel for its international crimes.

We urge SBS to act now to uphold their own values and obligations by holding Eurovision to account, and ensure that Australia's participation in Eurovision reflects our values of justice, peace, and human rights.

Sign this petition to tell SBS: no entertainment is worth complicity in genocide!

 
While you're here: 
💌 Send SBS an email too, and help us counter the pro-Israel pressure campaign!
 
 
📸 instagram.com/boycott.eurovision.au
 
🌐 BoycottEurovisionAustralia.org
 

 
Photo: Reuters