Boycott Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest

We were all hugely looking forward to the Eurovision Song Contest. But that enthusiasm is now over. It is very shocking  that Israel is allowed to participate in this peaceful song fest, while Palestinians are still dying daily from flying bombs and from a created famine. During all the festivities, Israel will have a chance to raise its profile. This is worrying as a country that, according to the International Court of Justice, should do everything to prevent genocide, will have the chance to promote itself at the Eurovision Song Contest.

It seems we cannot prevent Israel from participating in the song contest. We therefore call on Joost and AVROTROS to make a statement against the genocide taking place in the Gaza Strip during the song festival itself. Although they are not responsible, it is necessary to do something against it. Although the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the organisation behind Eurovision, considers Eurovision apolitical, the EBU actually makes it political by allowing Israel to participate. This brings political discussion to the fore and makes the Eurovision Song Contest a stage for political issues. This allows Israel to get votes from right-wing groups that support Israel's actions. It is very disturbing that a country can commit war crimes and yet continue to be appreciated by the world.

We also call on everyone to turn off the television during Israel's performance and speak out strongly against Israel's participation. We also call on everyone to hurt the EBU where it hurts namely financially by, for example, not voting and not buying merch. DWARS will not organise any activity during the song festival this time and will not engage with the song festival these weeks. We hope we have a peaceful song festival next year, without any of the participating countries being involved in war is