Eurovision expresses disappointment over performer wearing pro-Palestinian symbol | The Express Tribune
tribune.com.pk
Eric Saade of Sweden wore a keffiyeh at Eurovision 2024, showing support for Palestine amid controversy over Israel's involvement.

The musician was seen wearing a keffiyeh on his arm, a symbol commonly used to show support for Palestine.

In reponse, a representative of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said in a statement: “All performers are made aware of the rules of the contest, and we regret that Eric Saade chose to compromise the non-political nature of the event.”

Despite facing criticism for its decision not to exclude Israel and worldwide protests condemning the organizers’ choice, the competition maintained its stance.

“Politics does influence the event from time to time,” said Paul Jordan, a contest enthusiast and researcher who was part of its communications team from 2015 to 2018, in an interview with CNN.

However, he noted, “the presence of Israel has become such a big issue (that) I think it’s going to overshadow the event.”

The news comes during Israel’s seizure and closure of the Rafah crossing in Gaza, which has raised concerns that already-scarce food and medical supplies will be further depleted and lead to a “catastrophic” humanitarian disaster.

      • Linkerbaan@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
        2010·
        7 months ago

        Yes of course, but that is the physical Genocide of Palestinians in Palestine. Committed by israel and made possible by America, Germany, and Britain.

        But now Europe as a whole is banning all traces of Palestinian culture outside of Palestine in their “song festival”.

        This incident is noteworthy because does not involve the Palestinian flag. The Keffiyeh is pure Palestinian culture. Anything that has any connection to Palestine is now banned. Just think for a moment how Nazi this is. This is full on top tier CCP shit.

        Palestine is literally not allowed to exist in any shape or form. Not only the people but their entire culture is now wiped out. So that after israel is done wiping out all Palestinians from Gaza nobody will remember who they even were despite all the Palestinians in other countries around the world still living.

          • Linkerbaan@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
            83·
            7 months ago

            I read this dumb " if israel wanted to destroy Gaza all the houses would be rubble" meme for the last time a few months ago.

            Now that almost every home has been destroyed I didn’t expect someone to be stupid enough to bring it up again.

              • Linkerbaan@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
                73·
                7 months ago

                Broooo it’s just 70% lmaooo Like just 2 in 3 houses has been destroyed!!! That’s not 3 out of 3!

                You’re right tough, if israel just flattens all of Gaza and destroys all but 1 house then nobody could say that israel tried to destroy everything. Because there would be 1 house standing!

                I wonder why I didn’t think of that before.