During the Eurovision opening event known as the “Turquoise Carpet,” anti-Israeli protesters were seen making throat-slitting gestures towards an Israeli delegation.
The Eurovision Song Contest is an annual international music competition that features participants from various countries, including Australia, Azerbaijan, and Israel. Artists perform original songs, and winners are determined through a points system that incorporates votes from both the audience and professional juries. Israel has been part of the contest since 1973 and has won four times.
Israel has been part of these glamorous events for decades. However, in the last ten years, there’s been a noticeable increase in anti-Israel sentiment and anti-Semitism in Europe, leading to louder calls for Israel’s expulsion from the competition. This trend intensified following events related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and continues in response to the ongoing tensions surrounding the Hamas-Israel situation.
The 2024 Eurovision Contest was hosted by Sweden, the winner from the previous year.
Following the events of October 7, when Israel faced an invasion, protests from radical leftists and pro-Hamas groups emerged, trying to push for Israel’s removal from Eurovision, though the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) did not comply with their demands.
This year’s representative from Israel, singer Yuval Raphael, survived the Hamas attack during the Nova Music Festival — a tragic event marked by numerous atrocities. Her performance emphasizes overcoming hardship and sharing messages of resilience.
The “Turquoise Carpet” serves as a welcoming event for participants at Eurovision. This year, it took place in Basel, Switzerland, attracting a significant number of anti-Israel protesters who booed Raphael and her team.
Footage reported by an Iran-linked media outlet showed demonstrators loudly opposing Israeli participation, labeling the nation as committing “genocide,” and demanding that Raphael be barred from performing.
As Raphael appeared on the turquoise carpet, she waved the Israeli flag amidst protesters displaying Palestinian flags. One individual, caught on camera, made throat-slitting gestures towards the Israeli group.
Reports indicate that, following the events of October 7, a forensic team found that many civilians had been murdered in a horrific manner by Hamas militants.
The identity of the protester making the threatening gesture remains unknown. The Israeli National Broadcasting Station Kan has filed a complaint with police, seeking the help of Swiss authorities to identify him and ensure the safety of Raphael and her team. As of now, there have been no updates from Swiss police about this incident.
Throughout the competitors’ parade, protests persisted, showcasing anti-Israel sentiment, even during performances that had no direct ties to the Middle Eastern conflict. A Finnish group competing, called Kaj, performed their signature dance against a backdrop of Palestinian flags, despite officials stating that only non-discriminatory flags would be allowed.
While the Swiss organization hosting the contest permits protesters to display Palestinian flags, it has resulted in some artists feeling restricted in their ability to represent their own countries. Notably, one performer expressed disappointment over being unable to display her national flag due to regulations regarding non-official flags.
Raphael’s presence this year comes after her predecessor Eden Golan opted out due to threats from protesters. The atmosphere surrounding Eurovision 2024 has already generated significant tension, with escalating protests calling for Israel’s exclusion and large gatherings demanding change.
Several contestants have publicly voiced their opposition to Golan participating last year. One Irish artist even expressed emotional distress over Golan’s involvement, asserting that it upset him deeply.
The controversies at the 2024 Eurovision have become intertwined with unrelated incidents, including the disqualification of another artist after allegations arose concerning threats made against a staff member. Although these allegations were dropped, they have fueled rumors and speculation regarding the situation surrounding the Israeli delegation.
