Israel Ireland Boycott Eurovision 2019

The hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 has been one of the most contentious in recent memory — and the contest is still nearly a year away. Immediately after Israel won in Lisbon, calls for boycotts and the removal of Israel’s right to host began spreading. And now that Israel has been confirmed as host country, the controversy is sure to not slow down anytime soon.

One of the countries where the calls to boycott Israel have been loudest is Ireland.

And on Wednesday, a small yet high-profile group of protesters took to Dublin’s iconic Ha’penny Bridge to launch the “Irish Call to Boycott Eurovision 2019 in Israel”. Among the number was Carrie Crowley, a TV presenter turned actress who co-hosted Eurovision 1997 alongside popstar Ronan Keating.

Speaking to The Irish IndependentCrowley explained her reasons for joining the boycott campaign.

“There’s a resonance with the situation in Palestine for Irish people because in our past we were disenfranchised and taken over by a superior power.

We understand what it’s like to be evicted from homes, to lose our land and properties and feel like we’ve no entitlements anymore.

Our relationship with Great Britain has improved so much and I would love to think Palestine and Israel could look to the future and maybe do something similar.

I want to raise awareness of this as there’s so many people who love Eurovision and we could draw their attention to it.”

Organised by the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC), PalFest Ireland and Trade Union Friends of Palestine (TUFP), a petition linked to the movement has already attracted over 3,600 signatures. Many of the names come from the world of the arts, including Eurovision 1994 winner Charlie McGettigan.

He previously called for a boycott in the aftermath of the Gaza killings in May. However, Eurovision 1992 winner Linda Martin disagrees, arguing that Ireland should never withdraw from such an important global event.

Ireland’s Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) and Minister for Foreign Affairs is also against a boycott. He said that boycotting the contest would “polarise things even further” and not advance the Palestinian cause.

Israel Responds

In response to the boycott campaign, the Embassy of Israel in Ireland released a statement saying they were “saddened”.

“Boycotts merely encourage division and do nothing to further the cause of peace. The Eurovision is a cultural event and should not become politicised by extreme voices seeking to boycott Israel. Israel has a long and proud history of participation in the Eurovision.

Over the years, the Israeli contestants have showcased the diversity and openness of Israeli society. Indeed, in 1998 the Israeli winner – Dana International – brought the issue of trans-identity into the mainstream. We look forward to welcoming the international community to enjoy the Eurovision in Israel next year. We are sure that a small minority of individuals, who are seeking yet another vehicle to demonise Israel, will not disrupt what is sure to be a magnificent event.”

Ultimately, the decision rests with the national broadcaster RTE, who have competed every year since 2002. The last two occasions when Israel hosted the contest, in Jerusalem in 1979 and 1999, Ireland placed 5th and 17th. An official confirmation will need to be made before anyone can be sure whether Ireland will participate next year.

So what do you think? Do you think Ireland should boycott Eurovision 2019 in Israel? Would you like to see Ireland participate next year? Let us know below.

Follow all of our Ireland Eurovision 2019 news.

Comments on this post are now closed.

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ohhannac
ohhannac
5 years ago

In spite of what people may think, Eurovision is not political. In the past, neighbouring countries have voted for each other and the diaspora has swung things but in my opinion the last few years has seen a lot less of this. A boycott makes things political which Eurovision shouldn’t be. It is a cultural event that brings together the fans that travel to the host nation, and everyone who watches on TV. To boycott is to actually make it political. Yes there are many problems with Israeli policy on a lot of things, but the Eurovision Song Contest is… Read more »

Pancake
Pancake
5 years ago

Ya know,
This is really a dumb move and it won’t end well for them. Like, have this people learned something from the Moscow and LA Olympics back in the 80s?

Marcelo
Marcelo
5 years ago

Yeah right, Ireland. Funny how nobody made any boycott when you competed in Jerusalem in the 1999 contest. Having you already competed in Israel, what makes this time so different? I’m really starting to believe that these people are looking for attention and making a fuss over nothing.

Even with Tel Aviv being selected as a host, they will not be happy. Just ignore them.

Liam Holton
Liam Holton
5 years ago

RTE refuse to withdraw from Eurovision. So they’re definitely gonna refuse these sad attention seekers.

David
David
5 years ago

Why give them any attention? Tired reading about politics, every other time I log into this page!

Lawrence Gibb
Lawrence Gibb
5 years ago

And the improved relationship between our two nations was achieved through dialogue and cultural exchange and at the height of the troubles both countries took to the eurovision stage. Boycotts achieve nothing but resentment.

Darren
Darren
5 years ago

Comment awaiting moderation even though I said nothing bad.
Can you please sort it out Wiwi guys? Thanks x

Escphbelgium
Escphbelgium
5 years ago

Ya know…
This boycott campaign won’t end well for them. Like, have these people learned something from the Moscow and LA Olympics back in the 80s?

LeGrand
LeGrand
5 years ago

I’m Israeli and I love Ireland and hope they’d ??

Idan Cohen
Idan Cohen
5 years ago
Reply to  LeGrand

I’m Israeli and I hope they don;t get near our country. their entries are lame anyway.

Darren
Darren
5 years ago
Reply to  Idan Cohen

Your refusal to accept opinions that differ to you is lame.
If Ireland or any other nation, does boycott, it will be because of ignorance fro my the likes of you.
Are you even Israeli or just a loser?

Idan Cohen
Idan Cohen
5 years ago
Reply to  Darren

Titpaleh Kapara, Ani Israeli lekol davar.

If you identify with a nation that thinks gays are a sin punishable by death and women are just a mean to make babies, you’re not welcome in my country.

An yes, Ireland’s entries are lame, so are the Icelandic entries, it’s funny they’re threatening with a boycott while no-one would actually miss them.

dragvision
dragvision
5 years ago

probabily Irealand neeed and want mass immigrant invasion, hihihi, other european country have and know very well the problems.

Jill Stephens
Jill Stephens
5 years ago
Reply to  dragvision

The only country founded on mass immigration and still open to all people of a certain religion wherever they may live in the world is Israel. Ireland with emigration continuing and fertility rates high for Europe but falling will need more immigration soon and will have no problems integrating and embracing the immigrants wherever they come from. It already does that with its current immigrants. I would like to know which country you are from. Being xenophobic and not able to speak English would usually mean somewhere in Eastern Europe or France/Germany/Italy. These days I have no clue. Is your… Read more »

Alon I srael
Alon I srael
5 years ago
Reply to  dragvision

they will know for sure…. look at what happened to Sweden…

Darth Thulhu
Darth Thulhu
5 years ago

I’m going to have to give the response I give to well over 95% of these mentions of decades-past hosts (not performers, mind you, but *HOSTS* that aren’t even on any of the song vids): “Who?” If it’s anyone less that multiple-time-host Petra, I simply don’t know these people, nor could I care about their opinions regarding anything. For all I know, the 2009 Russian hosts now run an illegal polar bear smuggling ring, while the 2007 Finnish hosts are sparkly Twilight vampires under all the makeup, the 2017 Ukraine hosts maliciously abduct and redistribute Moldovan kittens to Romanian households,… Read more »

TheTruth
TheTruth
5 years ago

It’s obvious that Irish news channels are feeding the local people with biased and fake news. No one disenfranchised Palestinians. The Historic reality is that they never recognized Israel (UN resolution 181) and tried (with surrounding Arab nations – as a combined superior power) to annihilate the small and young state of Israel. Well…. surprisingly the “under dog” won. The first step forward Ms. Crowley (and all alike) towards peace – is to protest for Palestinians to FINALLY recognize the state of Israel (NOT for boycotting it)!

Jonas
Jonas
5 years ago

Ireland aren’t in the World Cup finals, so calls for a boycott would be kinda stupid.

tzvi56
tzvi56
5 years ago

Yes boycotting ESC in Israel is a brilliant way to deliver the messages of the contest “peace and love”. That’s so stupid Ireland you are better than that!

Damo
Damo
5 years ago
Reply to  tzvi56

U do realise u accuse Ireland as a whole wen it’s only a few public eye ppl trying to get some publicity saying it

Erasmus
Erasmus
5 years ago

I’m it’s fine to have an opinion about Israeli government, and I’m sure 99% of people don’t like/hate it. But why boycott events that bring people together even though they are held in places like Israel. I just don’t get it, I mean they should be focused on other things than boycotting ESC if they really hate Israel(government).

Lemon
Lemon
5 years ago
Reply to  Erasmus

Totally agree!

Alon I srael
Alon I srael
5 years ago
Reply to  Erasmus

“even though they are held in places like Israel. “

Frisian esc
Frisian esc
5 years ago

Boohoo, it has already been decided. Israel will host eurovision 2019 and it’s gonna be fab no matter what.

RICK
5 years ago

Simon Coveney already closed the chapter to this story. Ireland wont boycott Israel. Eurovision sites should stop giving racist groups fame by publicising things like this.

Jonas
Jonas
5 years ago
Reply to  RICK

Simon Coveney’s government could be out before the end of the year (in theory), so who knows whom might replace him? The current Irish government is not in a very strong position, to my understanding.

RICK
5 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

there’s no worries with that ireland wont boycott.

Davve
Davve
5 years ago

She hosted a really boring edition. So stfu..

Irelands way to discriminate against women… Come on

impressiveinstants
impressiveinstants
5 years ago
Reply to  Davve

1997 was one of the best years from its decade.

Joe
Joe
5 years ago

I mean, Jesus, that was the year with Jalisse, Sebnem Paker, “Mana Mou,” Anna Maria Jopek, really solid entries from the likes of Slovenia, Ireland, Malta, and Estonia, damn good guilty pleasures from Denmark and Iceland, and of course, one of the best winners ever with Katrina and the Waves. Say what you will, but that was a solid year. I’m saddened that Carrie Crowley is against Eurovision in Israel. I will point out – as I have before – that some of the more vocal anti-Israeli people (her, Paul Oscar, Charlie McGettigan) hosted or competed in years that Israel… Read more »

Jonas
Jonas
5 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Right, but that is surely mere coincidence. What are you suggesting?

Jonas
Jonas
5 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Also I agree that 1997 was a great year! Carrie was a more than competent presenter, and looked great…her co-host not so much, however. He was totally unnecessary. The Boyzone interval was also rather awful, but it’s still kind of a marvel how Ireland hosted it four years out of five and so differently each time, so I’ll let it slide. I guess they were aiming for something away from Riverdance etc. – 1997 was also the first year of televoting, so it was landmark in that respect too.

Joe
Joe
5 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

I think it’s a coincidence, yes, but I also think it makes them less empathetic since they didn’t interact with any Israelis in their years.

Boyzone was there bc they were huge. They sucked, but they were huge. Nothing could top Riverdance (and nothing really has, though we have had some good ones).

Joe
Joe
5 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Also, in terms of “best top tens,” 1997 is one of the best. A near-faultless top ten, up there with 2009, 2015, and 1996.

Jonas
Jonas
5 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Carrie did briefly appear on the 1998 contest, if you recall, won by Israel, though I do now see your point.

Joe
Joe
5 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

…just to say hi to Terry Wogan. I don’t think she even gave the points. (Incidentally, Ireland gave Israel 6).

Heli
Heli
5 years ago
Reply to  Davve

Davve/Dennis – the Swedish fascist – and his ever stupid comments. Firstly, the fact that it would be boring has nothing to do with their protest. How obtuse can you be? Secondly, 1997 is one of the best editions EVER! Anyway, the songs are not responsibility of RTE, so why this comment? Oh yes I know, because you are stupid.

Davve
Davve
5 years ago
Reply to  Heli

Hell, you are butthurt that I am right.

Heli
Heli
5 years ago
Reply to  Davve

Of course the trademark of the Swedish fascist and racist Davve aka Denis: the use of the expression ‘buttheard’ whenever he is loosing an argument, which is practically always. How shallow can you be? What does boredom has to do with her opinions? You are such a stupid looser

Jonas
Jonas
5 years ago

I like the embassy’s response.

While no doubt Carrie Crowley means well, and she seems very sane and reasoned, I disagree with her position.

Alex
Alex
5 years ago

Triggered