In a recent development that has raised concerns about the objectivity of certain nations in assessing the situation in Gaza, the Association of Composers and Lyricists of Iceland has called for the disqualification of Israeli performers from the Eurovision song competition in 2024. This move comes in the wake of what many see as a well-orchestrated propaganda campaign by Hamas and affiliated Muslim Brotherhood satellite organizations.
Iceland has gone as far as to threaten withdrawal from the Eurovision competition if Israel is allowed to participate in 2024. The Association of Composers and Lyricists of Iceland issued a statement on Monday, urging the exclusion of Israel from the contest. They cited Israel's actions in the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza as their primary reason for this demand.
Live update: Iceland musicians call on country to boycott Eurovision if Israel not barred from competing https://t.co/yB2KJDxblv . Click to read ⬇️
— TOI ALERTS (@TOIAlerts) December 12, 2023
Their statement emphasized the moral responsibility to take a stand against war and the loss of innocent civilian lives, especially children. They argued that individuals and state institutions alike should refuse to associate themselves with events that they perceive as being linked to military operations.
The Association further asserted that Eurovision should remain a space of "joy and optimism," free from the influence of military force. This stance reflects their belief that cultural events like Eurovision should promote unity and entertainment rather than being entangled in political controversies.
“🇮🇸 Iceland: Icelandic Society of Authors & Composers Calls For RÚV to Boycott Eurovision if Israel Participates”https://t.co/fnyVdNs7SQ
— Árni Plúseinn (@arnipluseinn) December 12, 2023
It's worth noting that this is not the first time Iceland has used the Eurovision platform to voice its political opinions regarding Israel. In 2019, Reykjavík expressed its opposition to Jerusalem being chosen as the location for the competition following Israeli performer Netta Barzilai's victory in Eurovision-2018.
As of now, the Eurovision committee has ruled in favor of allowing the Israeli team to participate in the 2024 contest, despite criticism against the country in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The next year's competition is scheduled to take place in Malmö, Sweden, in May.
For some reason, Iceland has exhibited extreme antisemitism in recent years such as banning kosher slaughter and trying to ban circumcision. Now boycotting Eurovision.
— Ben Eisenberger, 🟦Bring the Hostages Home Now!. (@uhel) December 13, 2023
I guess they don’t mind not having tourists come to their frozen land. https://t.co/uL8Bi2cLc3
This situation highlights the complexities and controversies that can arise when politics intersects with cultural events, especially on a global stage like Eurovision. It remains to be seen how this dispute will unfold in the coming months.
