Why?
Inspired by conscientious artists who shunned Sun City in apartheid South Africa in the 1980s, Palestinian artists and cultural organizations have called for nonviolent pressure in the form of boycotts on Israel until it complies with its obligations under international law.
Israel effectively declared itself an apartheid state by adopting the "Jewish Nation-State Law." Palestinian citizens are now constitutionally denied equal rights. Holding Eurovision 2019 in Israel whitewashes apartheid.
Shortly after her win, Barzilai said she looked forward to the world seeing “the Israeli carnival” when Jerusalem hosts the contest next year. People will see “how wonderful we are, what a vibe we have. Best people… the best place in the world.”
Straight out of apartheid South Africa’s propaganda playbook, Israel uses the arts to explicitly deflect growing condemnations of its violations of Palestinian human rights. Israel is using Eurovision to art-wash its egregious crimes against the Palestinian people.
Brand Israel
“Brand Israel” is an Israeli government public relations strategy that was initiated in 2005. Brand Israel aims to “improve the country’s image abroad” by “avoiding any discussion of the conflict with the Palestinians” and representing the country “as relevant and modern rather than only as a place of fighting and religion.”
Israeli Culture and Sports Minister Miri Regev, who in 2012 compared African asylum seekers to cancer and incited mob violence against them, is reportedly seeking government approval of and involvement in the video clips played between songs at next year's contest.
Pinkwashing
Pinkwashing is the cynical use of LGBT rights to distract attention from Israel’s decades-old denial of Palestinian human rights. Pinkwashing is part of Israel’s Brand Israel strategy.
Exploiting Eurovision’s popularity among LGBTQ fans, Israel’s “best ambassador,” Barzilai, was quickly enlisted in Israel’s Pinkwashing efforts. She performed at Pride events around the world with the backing of Israel’s embassies.
Jerusalem
Israeli Culture and Sports Minister Miri Regev issued an ultimatum: “if the Eurovision isn’t in Jerusalem, it shouldn’t be in Israel.”
Upon Israel’s win in the 2018 Eurovision, Israeli Minister of Justice Ayelet Shaked, who called for genocide against Palestinians, said that celebrations “began with Netta Barzilai’s victory, which assured that Eurovision is coming to the capital next year, and continues tomorrow with the move of the American embassy to Jerusalem.”
East Jerusalem is occupied by Israel and the international community does not recognise Israel’s sovereignty over any part of the city.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which runs Eurovision, has demanded a “non divisive” location for the 2019 Eurovision.
Israel’s attacks against Palestinian artists
Israel’s regime of military occupation, settler-colonialism and apartheid works tirelessly to impede Palestinian cultural development, one of our strongest tools of resistance. It regularly denies Palestinian artists their right to travel, both within the occupied Palestinian territory and abroad, detains performers without charge or trial, and has repeatedly raided Palestinian festivals and closed down Palestinian cultural centers.
Israel’s attacks against Palestinian journalists
Palestinian journalists are on the frontlines of Israel’s deadly attacks. Rights organizations like Reporters Without Borders and the International Federation of Journalists have consistently denounced Israel’s attacks on unarmed Palestinians, including journalists.
Just days before Eurovision 2018, Israel killed a Palestinian journalist and shot and wounded six other journalists in Gaza, while they wore clearly marked press flak jackets,as part of its shoot-to-kill-or-maim policy.
Impact
Calls to boycott Eurovision 2019 if hosted by Israel are spreading across Europe and beyond, including from former Eurovision winners, commentators and presenters, legendary artists, trade unions and political parties.
MILESTONES
Israel Drops “Jerusalem Condition” for Hosting Eurovision
On June 7, Israeli culture minister Miri Regev insisted that “if [Eurovision] can’t be in Jerusalem – we shouldn’t host it.” Three days later, the Israeli government sidelined her and dropped its demand to hold Eurovision in Jerusalem, moving to an open tender process instead. Now Israel is hinting that Tel Aviv may be the host.
Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate and Artists Networks Call for Boycott
Palestinian artists and broadcast journalists call for boycott of Eurovision 2019.
Celebrities, Politicians and Trade Unions in Ireland Call for Eurovision 2019 Boycott
Celebrities and public figures launch campaign in Ireland to boycott Eurovision if hosted by Israel. Those calling for boycott include former Eurovision winner Charlie McGettigan; Irish broadcaster and former Eurovision commentator Mike Murphy; former Eurovision presenters Carrie Crowley and Doireann Ni Bhriain; artist and Riverdance set designer Robert Ballagh; Irish musical legends Christy Moore, Mary Black, Paul Brady, Andy Irvine, Frances Black, Donal Lunny, Honor Heffernan, Cormac Breatnach, Dee Armstrong and Steve Wall.
The Lord Mayor of Dublin Micheal Mac Donncha calls for Ireland to boycott Eurovision 2019 to show solidarity with the people of Palestine.
The Musicians Union of Ireland and Irish Equity, the trade union for actors, dancers, directors, and stage and set builders/designers, endorse the call to boycott Eurovision 2019.
Growing Public Discontent Reverberates Across Europe
In Iceland, almost 8% of the country’s population sign a petition to boycott Eurovision 2019. The Israeli consul to Iceland rushes to do damage control.
Boycott calls emerge in the UK, Sweden, Malta, Australia and the Spanish state, with growing public discontent reverberating across Europe.
8% of Iceland's population sign a petition to boycott Eurovision 2019
Eurovision "tarnished"
William Lee Dams, editor of popular Eurovision blog, comments to the Associated Press: "There is a greater concern this year than any other year I can remember about the political backdrop surrounding Eurovision. Many Eurovision fans build their whole year around a trip to Eurovision, and just given the nature of what's going on their ideal has been tarnished."
Thousands Sign Petitions Calling For The Boycott Of Eurovision
Across Europe, tens of thousands of people have signed petitions urging broadcasters, singers and songwriters to boycott Eurovision hosted by Israel.
Take Action
Holding Eurovision 2019 in Israel will serve to art-wash Israel’s violations of Palestinian rights. Calls to boycott Eurovision if hosted by Israel are already spreading across Europe and beyond. Through grassroots campaigning, we can put pressure on the European Broadcasting Union to move the contest from Israel and raise awareness on Israel’s attacks on Palestinian culture.
Spread the Word
Help spread the word on the campaign to boycott Eurovision 2019 if hosted by Israel. Share the campaign on social media.
Find a local partner
There are organisations working on the #BoycottEurovision2019 campaign across Europe and beyond. Get active and connect with a group in your country now!
Set up a “Boycott Eurovision 2019” campaign in your country
Organize a local call of action to boycott Eurovision, gather support locally and nationally from artists, journalists, trade unions, civil society organisations and elected officials. Appeal to past and present Eurovision participants to speak out against Israel’s hosting of Eurovision. Lobby your public broadcaster to respect Palestinians’ picket line and refuse to attend the competition if it is hosted by Israel.
