Singer Eric Saade created controversy on Tuesday evening, during the Eurovision semi-finals, by appearing on stage with a keffiyeh wrapped around his wrist, as a sign of support for Gaza. A political position strictly prohibited by the rules of the competition, and which pushed Israel to ask for explanations from the organizers. “Eurovision is a live show. Everyone who performs there knows the rules and we regret that Eric Saade has decided to compromise with the idea of neutrality in the competition,” reacted the organization of the competition in a statement.
Questioned after his performance, Eric Saade, a former Eurovision candidate but who is not participating in this year’s competition, feigned naivety. “I received this scarf from my father when I was little, so I would never forget where my family comes from. I had no idea that one day it would be considered a political symbol,” he said .
The singer’s initiative comes in a particularly sensitive context against a backdrop of war in Gaza, and strong opposition to Israel’s participation which has been expressed on the sidelines of the event for months. The Swedish police are on edge, for fear of an attack and excesses in the pro-Palestinian demonstrations which are multiplying around the Malmö performance hall where the competition is taking place.
Due to these tensions, the organization of the competition was particularly strict in applying the regulations prohibiting any political expression. She notably rejected two previous versions of the Israeli song, judging that they referred too explicitly to the massacres of October 7.
Israel’s representative, Eden Golan, will perform in the second Eurovision semi-finals on Thursday evening. The final will take place on Saturday evening.
