Eurovision is renowned for being a global celebration of music and unity that promotes peace and cultural understanding. It is a celebration of different countries and their cultures. 

 

These ideals are a stark contrast to the recent actions of the Israeli government and military. Numerous reports from international bodies like the United Nations and Human Rights Watch have suggested violations of international humanitarian law and arrest warrants have been issued for the Israeli Prime Minister and former Minister of Defence for war crimes. The UN's Children's Fund (UNICEF) states that more than 14,500 children have been killed in Gaza by the Israeli military and many thousands more are at risk due to Israel's blocking of food and aid. The scale of destruction and number of civilian deaths is entirely unacceptable. Eurovision is about uniting nations - a goal which does not seem to be shared by the Israeli government given the number of United Nations staff members that they have killed (including teachers, doctors and nurses). 

 

In December 2024, Slovenia’s public broadcaster officially urged the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to bar Israel from competing in Eurovision 2025. The President of the Spanish public broadcaster confirmed that the Board of Directors will discuss whether it will call for Israel to be removed from the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. The Finnish broadcaster was given a petition signed by over 10,000 people and a letter signed by over 500 cultural professionals calling on them to demand that the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) excludes Israel from the competition.

 

Unfortunately Eurovision 2025 went ahead with Israel's participation. But we are now looking ahead to Eurovision 2026. If Israel stops committing atrocities against the Palestinian people then this petition will be removed but if they continue as they are then we are asking for them to be banned from Eurovision 2026. 

 

If you want to take further action, please consider boycotting Eurovision 2026 if Israel is participating. 

 

Please find below some articles about the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Israel's role in it. 

14,500+ children killed: https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/12/1158206

UN workers killed: https://news.sky.com/story/un-says-teachers-doctors-nurses-were-among-staff-killed-in-israeli-strikes-which-killed-91-people-in-gaza-13332425 

Arrest warrants for alleged war crimes: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly2exvx944o

Slovenia calls to ban Israel from Eurovision 2025: https://www.jfeed.com/news-israel/souus0 

Spain considering calling for Israel's exclusion: https://eurovoix.com/2025/02/26/rtve-board-israel-eurovision-2025/

Finland's petitions to ban Israel: https://www.helsinkitimes.fi/finland/finland-news/domestic/26374-over-10-000-sign-petition-demanding-israel-s-exclusion-from-eurovision.html