Many people will be boycotting watching the Eurovision this year, in protest at Israel’s participation in a singing contest as it continues to commit genocide on Palestine.
As Israeli tanks roll into Rafa, and the IDF bombs the area, the population of Gaza have nowhere left to go. A show of solidarity with the Palestine people can be made by refusing to watch a trivial singing competition which by allowing Israel to compete, trivialises and normalises its genocidal acts. There is no justification for the murder of children. It’s the bare minimum you can do – not watch the Eurovision.
It’s been disappointing to see the Irish entrant Bambie Thug’s hollow shows of solidarity with Palestine while continuing to participate in the competition alongside Israel.
As Bambie told Patrick Kielty on the Late Late, ‘If I wasn’t in the competition, I would also be boycotting.” That sentiment is of course, a ludicrous logic mindflip for self-serving justification.
Palestinians have asked for a boycott of Eurovision, as they would much prefer artists didn’t participate alongside Israel’s artwashing in the first place, legitimising their participation on the world stage.
Ultimately, Bambie Thug is just one artist on that stage (along with eight others who have publicly showed support for Palestine but plan to perform), and we shouldn’t focus all our attention on them, as the broadcasters in each country, in Ireland – RTÉ, are also responsible for legitimising Israel.
Israel should be made feel unwelcome in the arenas of sport, entertainment and culture until Palestine is free. Boycott Israeli goods, and like the students around the world are showing up those without backbone, call for divestment from institutions who continue to give money to Israel. Make art venues and spaces apartheid-free zones. March and show support for those who are putting themselves at risk to show real solidarity.
Anyway, I’m ranting now. Some Alternative Eurovision nights are taking place this weekend, where people can gather to show solidarity and protest.
Friday May 10th
Shine on Palestine: The Alternative Eurovision @ Leisureland, Galway
Apartheid-Free Arts and Irish Artists for Palestine present the Galway edition.
Hosted by Xnthony and Breda Larkin, features live performances from Roisin El Cherif, Mundy, Sharon Shannon, Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, The Accidental Rapper, Dee Armstrong (Kila), John Spillane, Tadhg Hickey, Steo Wall, Sarah Clancy, Aindrias De Staic And The Latchikos, AbdelFattah Abusrour, Armagh Rhymers ans more.
Shine on Palestine: The Alternative Eurovision @ AXIS Ballymun, Dublin
Panti Bliss hosts. Featuring Performances From Amir Abu Alrob & Sorcha Fox, Talha Alali, Catherine Ann Cullen, Zapho, Niyl, Tobi Balogun, Sive, Jess Kavanagh, Chloë Agnew, The X Collective, Teo Del Norte, Robbie Blake With Tonnta, Sing Along Social, The Lighthouse Choir, Jayden Tyrrell, Pom Boyd & Seán Millar, Saibhín, With Contribution From The Mini Placard Movement.
Both events will be re-broadcast online on Sat 11th May during the Eurovision final.
Saturday May 11th
Boycott Boogie : Mothers Against Genocide @ Doyle’s Corner, Phibsboro, Dublin
With Martin Leahy, Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, The Accidental Rapper
Ceara Hurley, Siomha Hennessy, Abood Aladham , DJ Sugartits
Daphne with a D.
Palestine Solidarity Event @ The New Theatre
James Connolly Festival event In association with Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign we present Gazelleband, Rosin El-Cherif, Anna D & Emmet Kirwan
ddr. Dabke @ Bohs Bar in Phibsboro, Dublin (10pm)
A night of Palestinian Music.
With DJ sets from: DJ Karwami Sumayah. Poetry, spoken word and beatboxing from: Amir Abualrob, Maryam, Abood Aladham and speakers from: Dublin 4 Gaza and Action for Palestine Ireland
Proceeds from ticket sales will go to supporting ongoing Palestinian solidarity and relief efforts.
