Thousands of demonstrators are protesting this Thursday, May 9 in Malmö, Sweden, against the participation of Israel which is trying to place itself in the final this evening.
A tense competition. The demonstration to denounce the war in Gaza and oppose Israel’s participation in Eurovision began this Thursday, May 9 in Malmö, where representatives of 26 countries will compete on Saturday to succeed Sweden. Up to 30,000 demonstrators are expected by the authorities as Israel attempts to place itself for the final this evening.
“It is important for us to show that we do not accept Israel competing in Eurovision. We cannot throw glitter with one hand and drop bombs with the other. We also want to show our solidarity with the Palestinians, we do not forget (them), Pia Jacobson, organizer of the demonstration, explained to BFMTV.
The demonstration, which left the central square of Malmö, entered the streets of the city – with one ban: that of approaching the Malmö Arena where the competition is taking place this Saturday, May 11. Another demonstration will be organized on Saturday a few hours before the start of the show.
“There must be demonstrations, people must express their opinions, people must boycott,” assured AFP Magnus Børmark, candidate for Norway with his group Gåte, who, like eight other participants, publicly called for a lasting ceasefire.
Threats against Eden Golan
Representatives of some countries had once considered boycotting the competition to protest Israel’s presence, but did not follow through. “The first days of Eurovision week were calm. We are investigating a case of alleged incitement to racial hatred,” said a police spokesperson.
Police officers came from all over Sweden but also from Denmark and Norway to reinforce local numbers. Within the Jewish community, some plan to leave the city for the weekend, although the numerous pro-Palestinian demonstrations have not given rise to calls directly targeting the city’s Jews.
On social networks, however, threats were made against the singer representing Israel, Eden Golan, who is participating in the second semi-final this evening at 9 p.m. At the same time, activists also organized the first edition of Falastinvision, a musical competition in solidarity with the Palestinians.
The artist, for her part, remains focused on the competition. “I will not let anything break me or get out of my way. I am here to show the voice of an entire nation,” she explains in an interview relayed by the New York Times.
