Eurovision 2024, one of Europe’s most popular music events, took place on Saturday in Malmö, Sweden. As hundreds of musicians, journalists and music fans flocked to the Eurovision Song Contest, the so-called Olympics of pop music faced severe backlash because Israel took part in the competition amid its ongoing war against Hamas.
read more: Eurovision 2024 final embroiled in controversy over Israeli participation, expulsion of Dutch contestant | 5 points
The voices of thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters echoed in Malmö, as many users criticized Israel’s participation and its performance.
Swiss singer Nemo won the competition and became the first non-binary artist to win the trophy. However, the attention of social media was given significant marks to the Israeli competitor. Amidst the event’s social media backlash due to Israel’s participation, many users came out in support of the country and criticized the participant solely for his identity.
Controversy over Israel’s participation in Eurovision
The country was allowed to compete amid calls for its expulsion from the event due to Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. However, the contestant was told to change the title of the song, which was originally called 'October Rain’ as it referred to the October 7th Hamas attack. The title of the song was changed to 'Surawali’ and sung by the singer. Eden Colon.
Eurovision: Social media outrage
Despite the victory of the first non-binary artist at this year’s Eurovision, Israel’s participation in the midst of the ongoing war against Hamas was one of the most discussed issues on social media on Saturday. While many criticized Israel’s participation, many took to social media to support the nation.
“Israel got 323 popular votes??!! Who are these voters??!!,” wrote an X user after Israel’s impressive turnout numbers at the event.
“Israel has officially failed to win the Eurovision Song Contest. This was despite them trying hard to garner support on social media. Embarrassing,” wrote another X user.
„When people tell you that Eurovision is about music, when Ukraine and Israel get the most votes from the public,” one X user wrote.
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„Totalny pionier w sieci. Specjalista od piwa niezależny. Ewangelista popkultury. Miłośnik muzyki. Nieprzepraszający przedsiębiorca”.