The 69th Eurovision Song Contest’s lineup is set! A record 26 countries will be competing on stage in beautiful Basel, Switzerland. One of the featured participants is Israel’s Yuval Raphael, who will sing his song “New Day Will Rise.” Raphael has definitely deserved his place after putting the stormy era behind him. He was wounded in the despicable Hamas assault at the Nova Music Festival on October 7, 2023.
Bookmakers are taking bets on whether Raphael is likely to come out on top of the pageant, which has endured its own share of scandals. This year’s contest has once again drawn attention to Israel’s participation amid backlash surrounding its actions in the ongoing conflict with Palestine. Whether finalists or not, eleven of those 37 acts that traveled to Basel have now been released—further showcasing the remarkable, vibrant diversity among this year’s finalists.
Controversial Participation
So for a second straight year, Israel’s participation in Eurovision remains controversial. Critics have been raising alarms at this blatant inconsistency in Eurovision’s policies. They point to the exclusion of Russia from the tournament following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022 as a prime case in point.
Diana Hojda, a demonstrator Demonstrators marched through central Basel in a demonstration supporting Israel, opposing any form of antisemitism. One protester commented on the situation, stating, “It should be a happy occasion that Eurovision is finally in Switzerland, but it’s not.” Another demonstrator questioned the fairness of the competition: “How can we rightfully exclude Russia but we’re still welcoming Israel?”
The backlash against Israel was further highlighted by a letter signed by over 70 former Eurovision contestants calling for the country’s exclusion from the contest.
Performances and Predictions
Alongside Yuval Raphael, Malta’s Miriana Conte also made it into the final with her song “Serving.” Austria’s JJ, a classically trained countertenor, has emerged as a bookies’ favorite with his entry “Wasted Love.”
Under the shadow of these controversies, photographer and artivist Yuval Raphael pledged to participate in the event regardless. He stated, “We are here to sing and I’m going to sing my heart out for everyone.” His determination speaks to an admirable commitment to the spirit of Eurovision, one of cultural exchange and music.
The countries that did not make it through the competition were Australia, Montenegro, Ireland, Georgia, Czechia and Serbia. With the final just days away, excitement remains high among fans and observers alike as this year’s winner of the highly prized trophy draws near.
A Divided Audience
With the final approaching, the mood is still tense. While many fans look forward to celebrating music and unity, others are concerned about the implications of certain nations’ participation. Last year, Israeli competitor Eden Golan received a world of criticism as she performed live on stage. Much of the audience booed her off the stage.
The issues at stake this year’s contest are clearly reflected in its attempts to strike an equal balance between artistry and geopolitical realities. Eurosong remains a stage for both revelry and resistance as it sails through these stormy seas.
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