Amnesty International sentenced Eurovision Song Contest organizers refused on Monday to exclude Israel from this year’s contest as protests, boycotts and criticism of Israel’s participation continue to grow.
The organization’s secretary general, Agnès Callamard, argued that Israel should not be given an international stage given the atrocities:
Instead of sending a clear message that Israel’s atrocities against the Palestinian people come at a cost, the EBU has given Israel this international stage even as it continues to commit genocide in Gaza, unlawful occupation and apartheid… Songs and sequins must not be allowed to drown out or distract from Israel’s atrocities or the suffering of the Palestinians. As long as the genocide continues, there should be no stage for Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest.
Callamard referred to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) year 2022. Decision To exclude Russia from the Eurovision Song Contest. At the time, the organization expressed concerns that “given the unprecedented crisis in Ukraine, the inclusion of a Russian entry in this year’s competition would bring the competition into disrepute.” Callamard said refusing to treat Israel in the same way was an “act of cowardice” and called on people everywhere to “act in accordance with their conscience and stand up for human rights.”
This year’s event will take place in Vienna, where the police are anticipatory Protests, including “blockades and attempted disruptions.” Several countries have also done this withdrawn eliminated from the competition in protest, including Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland and the Netherlands.
To express their support for Israel’s continued participation, the group Creative Community for Peace published one open letter in April with more than 1,000 signatures from celebrities and industry experts.
However, many others have expressed similar sentiments to Callamard, including Claudio Ciccone, union representative at the Italian state broadcaster. Italy is often referred to as one of the Eurovision Song Contest’s “big five” alongside France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom because its broadcasters make the largest financial contributions. Italy ultimately remained in the competition, but Ciccone criticized the EBU’s decision.
“The Eurovision Song Contest should be a moment of cultural unity, peace and conversation between cultures. But when a delegation like Israel’s is brought there to present a good face of their government to the world, that should not be tolerated,” he said.
Additionally, several previous champions have done this sentenced this year’s competition. For example, the Swiss winner in 2024 returned the award in protest. The 1994 and 2013 winners are part of a broader project called No music for genocide Petition. This boycott initiative was signed by over 1,000 artists and cultural workers.
Amnesty International research suggests atrocities continue despite the October 2025 ceasefire. The UN did it too documented persistent violations.
Eurovision is a music competition in which artists perform under their national flag and is known for its extravagant choreography and costumes. While the EBU has stated that it aims to keep the competition apolitical, Eurovision has often been seen as such a measure Opportunity for countries to spread messages and improve their international image.
