As Eurovision 2025 kicks off in Basel, Switzerland, the familiar spectacle of glitter, glamour, and unity unfolds across millions of screens. But beneath the shimmering surface, the contest once again finds itself at the crossroads of politics and pop culture. This year, a growing number of voices are questioning the double standards evident in Israel's participation, particularly against the backdrop of its ongoing conflict with Palestine—a conflict that is as persistent as it is devastating.
In 2022, Russia was swiftly banned from Eurovision following its invasion of Ukraine. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) justified this decision on the grounds that Russia's military actions were "incompatible with the values of the contest." The move was met with widespread support across Europe, with many applauding Eurovision for standing against aggression
Fast-forward to 2025, and Israel remains firmly on stage, represented this year by Yuval Raphael with her song New Day Will Rise. Her performance is lauded by some as a beacon of resilience following the October 7 Hamas attacks. Yet, for many Palestinians, the staging of Israel at Eurovision is a glaring symbol of hypocrisy. How can one country be expelled for war, while another is applauded, despite its decades-long military occupation of Palestinian territories?
This question has sparked protests both online and on the streets of Basel. The main critique revolves around what many see as selective outrage. The military occupation of Palestine has been ongoing since 1967, with regular bombings, evictions, and land seizures reported almost daily. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have long classified Israel's actions as violations of international law, with allegations of apartheid practices. And yet, each year, Israel's delegation stands under the bright lights of Eurovision, its representatives singing songs of unity and peace, while the sounds of conflict echo across Gaza and the West Bank. For many, this stark contradiction is hard to ignore.
Eurovision is celebrated globally as a symbol of inclusivity, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Israel often highlights its progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights as evidence of its modernity and alignment with Western values. However, some activists accuse Israel of pinkwashing—promoting LGBTQ+ rights as a distraction from its policies towards Palestinians. For many queer Palestinians, the reality is far from the rainbow flags of Tel Aviv Pride. The occupied territories are marked by military checkpoints, restrictions on movement, and systematic disenfranchisement. How does Eurovision reconcile its message of unity and peace with the reality faced by millions of Palestinians?
The contrast between Ukraine and Palestine is stark. The world rallied behind Ukraine with sanctions, media coverage, and political outcry. Eurovision swiftly banned Russia, standing in solidarity with Ukrainian sovereignty. Meanwhile, Palestine's decades-long plight continues with muted international response. Mainstream media rarely covers daily bombings or the forced displacements in Sheikh Jarrah or Jenin. Eurovision remains silent, inviting Israel to participate with open arms year after year.
The question that lingers is not just why, but how long? How long can Eurovision, the EBU, and the global community ignore the cries of Palestinian civilians while celebrating nations whose policies directly contradict the values of unity and peace that Eurovision claims to champion?
Eurovision is more than just a music competition—it’s a reflection of Europe's cultural and political landscape. The choice to exclude Russia but embrace Israel sends a powerful message about whose suffering is acknowledged and whose is ignored. As the lights flash and the music plays, the world watches. Perhaps it's time Eurovision rethinks what it means to stand for unity, and whose voices truly matter on its stage.