Eurovision, Israel and calls for a boycott: ‘Some artists may be afraid to pull out — but if somebody jumps, others will too’

Organisers are attempting to quell a backlash against the Israeli entry as many artists face increasing calls to boycott this year’s contest

Eden Golan, who will represent Israel in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest . Photo: Koko/Reuters

John Meagher

It was unprecedented in the long history of Eurovision. On Tuesday, organisers of the song contest felt compelled to issue a statement condemning “targeted social media campaigns” amid reports of threats against Israel’s 20-year-old contestant.

The competition, which takes place in Malmö, Sweden, between May 7 and May 11, has been mired in controversy over Israel’s inclusion at a time when its attacks on Gaza have left more than 33,000 people dead.