The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has issued a statement, following the brief grand final shot of Icelandic act Hatari holding banners reading “Palestine”. The group held up the banners as they received their televote points during the last part of the grand final.

In a statement to press, the EBU has said:

“In the live broadcast of the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final, Hatari, the Icelandic act, briefly displayed small Palestinian banners whilst sat in the Green Room. The Eurovision Song Contest is a non-political event and this directly contradicts the contest’s rules. The banners were quickly removed and the consequences of this action will be discussed by the Reference Group (the contest’s executive board) after the contest.”

This suggests that Icelandic broadcaster RÚV may potentially face sanctions from the EBU.

Fans have noted that the banner incident took place long after Hatari’s performance in the competition and happened when voting was closed.

Hatari drummer Einar Stefánsson later uploaded a short video showing a security guard attempting to confiscate the group’s banners.

Hatari’s banner wasn’t the only time the Palestine colours were seen in the Eurovision 2019 grand final. Guest performer Madonna closed her performance with two dancers who wore jackets featuring the Israeli and Palestinian flags.

The 2016 incident

This isn’t the first time that a banner has caused controversy at Eurovision. In 2016, during the first semi-final, Armenian singer Iveta Mukuchyan was shown waving the flag of the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh area.

At the time, the EBU issued a statement saying:

We consider the appearance of a flag of a highly disputed territory in the live transmission a serious breach of Rule 1.2.2h of the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest stating that “no messages promoting any organisation, institution, political cause or other, company, brand, products or services shall be allowed in the Shows”.

The EBU issued Armenia with a formal warning and said that any further displays from Armenia “could lead to disqualification from this year’s event or any successive editions.”

Armenia did not face further sanctions and was able to compete at Eurovision 2017.

Read more Eurovision 2019 news here

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Marty Mc CU
Marty Mc CU
4 years ago

The EBU will give them a ticking off, expelling them or banning them from the contest will be a tad too much to say the least. They will also specify when they meet with all the delegations next time this should not happen again. No harm done to be honest its only a flag. What is done is done. We have seen this all before. The EBU taking this further will tantamount to being involved in politics and they really don’t want to do this. Focus on the winning song and the after party. It was a great show by… Read more »

ShaneG
ShaneG
4 years ago

Israel pushed their own political agenda throughout the show so I don’t see why one act holding a flag which represents the people at the other side of the debate is so punishable.

Piikatschoo
Piikatschoo
4 years ago

If the EBU is going to sanction Iceland, then they need to sanction Israel too for having Madonna feature Plestine flags in her show.

ESCFan2009
ESCFan2009
4 years ago

They were so rude in the press conference. After Serhat has received 3 questions, they were asked one thing and answered “maybe Serhat wants to answer, too”. And then the flag thing… I am always in for making noise, protesting etc., but they were simply arrogant and childish… They should be lucky that this troll act came in tenth place…

Frisian esc
Frisian esc
4 years ago

Hi guys! If you want Iceland to be banned from eurovision 2020 please sign and share this petition <3
http://chng.it/QVY9X525jP

Kosey
Kosey
4 years ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

If you want irritating people from the Netherlands to go away, please like Frisian’s post.

Frisian esc
Frisian esc
4 years ago
Reply to  Kosey

Naaah, i’m staying. I am simply loving all your salty comments about duncans win way too much. You really didn’t want that to happen did you? 😉 You reflecting my opinion on the whole dutch population already says a lot about you.

Kosey
Kosey
4 years ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

No, I was just trying a polite way of getting you to go away with your biased, harmful vitriol. But I wouldn’t expect you to understand subtlety.

Piikatschoo
Piikatschoo
4 years ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

If Iceland gets banned then Israel should too, as they allowed Madonna to have a show featuring Palestinian flags. lol

ennisol
ennisol
4 years ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

And If you want to sign a petition to stop the occupation sign here etc etc……… Get over yourself.

Serafina
Serafina
4 years ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

Not gonna happen but nice effort lol

Anna
Anna
4 years ago

Eurovision will always be political. How about Azerbaijan and Armenia juries always giving each other 0 points, every single year? Clearly they’re not judging the songs, but making a constant political statement with this. Somehow that keeps getting ignored.

Alex
Alex
4 years ago

Cowards, they couldn’t do it on stage because they did not want to be disqualified so they did it once they get the low televoting results. How convenient.

I say give Iceland a fine of 100,000 euros and maybe disqualify them for next year. I guess EBU won’t do it because ESC has high viewing rates in Iceland…

Ritabloggs
Ritabloggs
4 years ago
Reply to  Alex

They can miss those 300 thousand viewers.

DoriStori
DoriStori
4 years ago

Thank you Hatari, Iceland is proud!

Iceland wanted a boycott, we did one better and protested on live television for millions to see, looking at twitter last night, Duncan’s win pales in comparison to this act and we love you for it

#Hatriðmunsigra

Nicki
Nicki
4 years ago
Reply to  DoriStori

“Duncan’s win pales in comparison…” That’s a bit delusional. Also, if Iceland wanted to boycott so much, why didn’t you? And this small stunt hatari pulled is just is – small and really isn’t going to make that much of an impact.

Oscar C
Oscar C
4 years ago

It’s hard to resume such a complicated conflict, but for those of you interested to know what’s going on, here you have a good start. Peace and love to both Israel and Palestine.

https://youtu.be/iRYZjOuUnlU

Mag
Mag
4 years ago

Hatari did everything according to plan, as they always said !! And I don’t think they really care what will happen now )

Markeu
Markeu
4 years ago
Reply to  Mag

Of course not….. like children.
Only a childish behavior explains acts without caring nor minding consequences.
Even my daughter (11 y/o) does already better than Hatari :-))

Noah
Noah
4 years ago
Reply to  Mag

You’re right! Hatari have not made these plans a secret in the months prior to Eurovision and surely this should cause concern about whether the EBU are taking the proper measures to check who stands on that stage in front of over 200 million people because clearly the security and vetting done on the artists isn’t thorough enough to keep Eurovision a “non-political” which the EBU and so many fans aspire it to be

willchrisiam
willchrisiam
4 years ago

I wrote something else, but I have another point. I know too little about the conflict to feel comfortable taking sides. Instead I try to look at this as objectively as I can. I already stated my disagreement with Hatari’s tasteless action (though I don’t find it that outrageous) and I feel like people are missing a very important detail. The producers chose to show Iceland’s provocation. They certainly didn’t show every contry’s reaction to the televote points. Why show Iceland then? Even if we discard the fact that they had a talk with Jon Ola about their behavior, even… Read more »

willchrisiam
willchrisiam
4 years ago

I fthink that all this outrage is misplaced. I disagree with Hatari’s action and find it to be in poor taste, but since when is showing a flag of internationally recognized country a crime? Both Hatari and Iveta got scolded by the EBU yet last year they showed fans with Kosovo flags after Serbia’s performances. That’s worse because producers decide what/who to show. There was no condemnation of that and no public apology. So much hypocrisy.

Markeu
Markeu
4 years ago
Reply to  willchrisiam

Well said Charles II

Maya G
Maya G
4 years ago

I’m Israeli and I actually thought it was a really underwhelming statement. For months you’ve been setting us up for how you’re intending to use the stage for a political message, and in the end what you do is whip out a couple of measly flags? I guess the EBU will somehow sanction them for breaking the “only UN members’ flags” rule, but if it was up to me I’d let it go. I mean, it was pitiful more the anything. They must’ve felt like they were the new Rosa Parks or the tank man from Tiananmen square, when they… Read more »

poe-tay-toe-chips
poe-tay-toe-chips
4 years ago
Reply to  Maya G

Well, they were so heavily censored throughout the show that they were lucky to have managed just that

Kosey
Kosey
4 years ago
Reply to  Maya G

They achieved what they wanted to achieve, they didn’t need to do any more, it was just perfect to get the message across

Markeu
Markeu
4 years ago
Reply to  Kosey

What message???
The only message I got is how stupid and ignorant they are!
If this is Iceland´s representatives, then Iceland is in a serious crash path of their whole Educational System (just following their well known Banking system crash few years ago).
Are there no competent people in Iceland??

Kosey
Kosey
4 years ago
Reply to  Markeu

The message is “let’s be serious about learning to love one another”. I really wish you could see that. The path that Israel is on will only end in more pain and suffering.

Markeu
Markeu
4 years ago
Reply to  Kosey

Protest then to STOP TERROR (let´s see how brave you are)

Kosey
Kosey
4 years ago
Reply to  Markeu

Start negotiating – stop trying to win a battle that cannot be won

R. B.
R. B.
4 years ago
Reply to  Maya G

I bet Hatari was closely monitored by the competition, and therefore they simply couldn’t do more. I guess the flags are the only thing they could smuggle in.

R. B.
R. B.
4 years ago
Reply to  Maya G

They were probably closely monitored by the EBU. The flags might be the only thing they could smuggle in. But, I agree, I was a bit underwhelmed as well and hoped for something more clever. But I guess they really wanted to get this message out. They also looked pretty tired from the whole competition, especially after the blunder in the final.

Bella
Bella
4 years ago
Reply to  Maya G

Pitiful? I was watching in a bar in NYC, the entire place (easily 200 people) started cheering and clapping hands. 😉

Markeu
Markeu
4 years ago
Reply to  Bella

Stop lying Bella, you were maybe in “a bar” while sitting in your own toilet seat (in Sweden)!!
It was NOT broadcast-ed in NYC nor the US overall! The reason: The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has yet to confirm a TV partner for the U.S. Also Youtube wqs blocked for geographical grounds. Try a better joke next time Bella

EuroFanGK
EuroFanGK
4 years ago

I suppose they will not upload Madonna’s perfomance because of the flag incident! Like we did’t see it!!!

ESC LOU
ESC LOU
4 years ago

Ok they broke the rules but seriously like there’s been a lot worse in this contest like we ignore blatant neighbour voting each year, and I mean the EBU shouldn’t be seen as idk innocent in this situation ffs the contest was in Israel this year… ISRAEL there have been protests where people have got physically hurt just because the ESC took place in Tel Aviv and we all knew that Hatari were bound to do something controversial the EBU maybe should’ve stepped up a bit and prevented it if they didn’t want it to happen so much! Iceland shouldn’t… Read more »

poe-tay-toe-chips
poe-tay-toe-chips
4 years ago
Reply to  ESC LOU

Lol if the ebu cared about rules, they wouldn’t have allowed Netta’s song last year because she references several brands/trademarked characters (wonder woman, barbie, pikachu)

the ebu can’t pick and choose what rules to follow

Obafemi Martins
Obafemi Martins
4 years ago

“the ebu can’t pick and choose what rules to follow”

Well, yeah. they can, and they do.

ESC LOU
ESC LOU
4 years ago
Reply to  ESC LOU

By Madonna I meant ya know that other time in the show when a fricking Palestinian flag was also on show but she won’t get any hate she’s Madonna…

ESC LOU
ESC LOU
4 years ago
Reply to  ESC LOU

I don’t support any side in this argument just saying what I see and hear, Palestine and Israel both have their problems and I so wish that Eurovision is completely non political but I can’t see that happening with over 40 countries taking part sorry I hate being negative.

Katariina
Katariina
4 years ago

Thank god for Hatari speaking up for what’s right and refusing to be silenced

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
4 years ago
Reply to  Katariina

they’re speaking up for a terroristic government that refuses bilateral agreements with israel, that’s not quite right

Kosey
Kosey
4 years ago

I am not sure they are supporting the government, they are supporting the people, again, these are completely different things.

Nitzan
Nitzan
4 years ago
Reply to  Katariina

Regardless of what they meant, they shouldn’t have done it

Serhatari
Serhatari
4 years ago

What can the EBU do? Can they go as far as reducing Iceland’s score by a certain percentage? IDK

Kosey
Kosey
4 years ago
Reply to  Serhatari

Further than they already instructed the juries to reduce their score, do you mean?

eurovision6
eurovision6
4 years ago
Reply to  Kosey

Not to mention their was a “technical issue” during Hataris performance when Matthias sang too early. Deliberate sabotage?

poe-tay-toe-chips
poe-tay-toe-chips
4 years ago
Reply to  eurovision6

It absolutely was sabotage. The other members looked annoyed after it happened and also the fact that they were the ONLY act that night with technical issues is extremely suspicious

Soda vomitstream
Soda vomitstream
4 years ago

It’s hatari, the inbred f#cks always look annoyed.

Kosey
Kosey
4 years ago

Iceland, just know that despite what you might read here, the public is very much behind you (see the televote results). Thank you so much for a thought-provoking and intelligent act.

Markeu
Markeu
4 years ago
Reply to  Kosey

Mehh….. what televote??
Even e “Despa-Fuego” act with a see trough shirt (Switzerland) got more interest and televotes than them…. so proportion baby 🙂

Kosey
Kosey
4 years ago
Reply to  Markeu

They won the televote in SF1 you moron, even when lots of people were out to stop them. And 6th in the grand final isn’t bad even after having a gagging order put on them. I’m very proud and thankful for their perseverance in the face of such hostility.

NoGeoblocks
NoGeoblocks
4 years ago

Just to be clear – Iceland band of hate broke the Eurovision rules. very knowingly.
Jon Ola Sand, stand behind your word.

https://wiwibloggs.com/2016/04/29/eurovision-2016-flag-policy-released-includes-banned-list/

Alex
Alex
4 years ago
Reply to  NoGeoblocks

Let’s be honest, Eurovision contestants are constantly breaking the rules and the EBU is constantly ignoring it. EBU needs to be serious about this reality and punish every country that breaks the rules. It’s a bit late to start, but better late than never, and if they need to disqualify countries, even if they are fan favorites, do it.

Alex
Alex
4 years ago
Reply to  Alex

Exactly. If they want a serious contest, they need serious rules and serious consequences, and this includes more than the singers/dancers.

peter
peter
4 years ago

Dear Robyn Gallagher, Nagoro Karabakh isn’t a disputed area its internationally recognized as – armenian occupation of Azerbaijani lands.

yodenman
yodenman
4 years ago

It’s such a shame that Iceland have allowed this to happen. I loved the song and am really pleased about its top 10 finish. The band members are actually very nice people much like the vast majority of Icelandic folk. I know this from visiting. Friendly and kind. Therefore this action is ill advised and counter productive to what Iceland stands for.

European
European
4 years ago
Reply to  yodenman

They are there only because Iceland stands for their message. Otherwise Iceland would have been boycotting Eurovision this year.

Markeu
Markeu
4 years ago
Reply to  European

Nope European !!
Iceland should thank for being able to participate in this edition in Tel-Aviv.
There were discussions in Israel to BOYCOTT ICELAND!!! (you see….. the “game” can go both ways), but since Israel is such an open and welcoming society (unlike History so uneducated and ignorant Icelanders) – Israel enabled and welcomed them. Iceland can continue living in their “irrelevant remote Freezer” while Israel continues to thrive as the 8th most powerful nation in the World.

https://improb.com/top-powerful-countries-in-the-world/

Iceland needs Israel more than Israel needs Iceland….. “c’est la vie” baby

yodenman
yodenman
4 years ago
Reply to  Markeu

I’m sorry but Iceland is far more tolerant than Israel. They are a very open and honest race of people. The crime rate is one of the lowest in the world. Also they are among the top countries regarding literary and numeracy. Their further education is also free. Is Israel a safer place to live with greater tolerance… In fact don’t bother replying as I know the answer.

Katitam
Katitam
4 years ago

Eurofandom is full of hypocrites. On one side, you applaud this (and I applaud with you) and applaud the diversity and stuff.

On the other side, you constantly discriminate people that likes ESC and is from other continents. For their lack of English, for having other kind of education and opportunities, for not being from your sacred land. It’s not everyone, there’s really good people out there, but there’s too many sh*t between all of you. You need to evolve as a community and to accept diversity for real.

You applaud for the picture, guys. It’s sad.

Idan Cohen
Idan Cohen
4 years ago

I’m Israeli and I’m starting a petition to leave Eurovision.
Europe spits in our faces again and again. we made an amazing show for everyone and we only got hate in return,
it looks like Europe supports and backs up Iceland’s act despite all the efforts to make good eurovision show.

I will do everything I can to prevent Israel from competing again. petitions, protests, whatever is needed. enough is enough,

Shir
Shir
4 years ago
Reply to  Idan Cohen

Im also Israeli and you are a little exaggerate my friend

Idan Cohen
Idan Cohen
4 years ago
Reply to  Shir

You know just like me that there are thousands in Israel that will love the idea of withdrawing Eurovision.
It’s time to make it happen..

ennisol
ennisol
4 years ago
Reply to  Idan Cohen

bye felicia

NoGeoblocks
NoGeoblocks
4 years ago
Reply to  Idan Cohen

Israel shouldn’t leave for Iceland breaking the rules.

Iceland should be banned from next year’s Eurovision.
This was a very deliberate provocation

Idan Cohen
Idan Cohen
4 years ago
Reply to  NoGeoblocks

Do me a favor, woul’ja? I’ve seen enough what Europe thinks about us last year with Netta’s win, and this year’s Icelands act. If it was just Hatari then I could leave it aside, but you see for yourselves how the media indulges in this act. how they’re indulged thinking about how “Iceland showed’em!” The hate we’re getting simply by participating, not to say by raising a 100-milion shekels event, is disgusting. Israelis paid 100 ilion shekels out of their own wallets for what? for the social media to show its hate for Israel. Enough is enough, Europe is not… Read more »

Nitzan
Nitzan
4 years ago
Reply to  Idan Cohen

As an Israeli I wanna say this: ya’ll need to chill

Unicorn
Unicorn
4 years ago
Reply to  NoGeoblocks

This is not Iceland’s foult this is the action of band from Iceland! Don’t blame the hole country!

ESC LOU
ESC LOU
4 years ago
Reply to  NoGeoblocks

It’s not the Icelandic delegation/broadcaster’s fault it’s Hatari’s, although i’m not 100% against what they did I do know it was their choice and it wasn’t even a protest, which I think a lot more people were expecting than this.

European
European
4 years ago
Reply to  Idan Cohen

Criticism of Israeli war crimes is not a criticism of Israeli people as a whole.

Idan Cohen
Idan Cohen
4 years ago
Reply to  European

We invited Europe to our home party and they (you) used it to criticize and mock us.
It doesn’t matter to whom this critisicm is directed.
People spent a lot of time, money and efforts to make this event happen and this is what Europe repays us.
thank you for you gratitude.

If Israel had known 1 year of work and 100 million shekels would turn into a Israel-Hate-Meme-Party, I’m not sure we would have wanted to go with it.
again, thank you.

Kosey
Kosey
4 years ago
Reply to  Idan Cohen

Iceland is not attacking the people of Israel, I am sure there are lots of people who live there who are very nice. Iceland is attacking the politics of Israel. The two are very distinct.

Noella
Noella
4 years ago
Reply to  Idan Cohen

As an Israeli this whole thing makes me laugh. So they lifted Palestine flag, big deal. It’s not the first nor the last political statement made in eurovision !!! For me, they did it for shock value and to extend thier 15 minuets of fame. Though the thought that went through my mind was, that Palestinias would probably have banned their performance and probobaly even hurt them for lifting the Pride flag and dressing the way they did…

ennisol
ennisol
4 years ago
Reply to  Idan Cohen

A bit over-the-top don’t you think? Hatari hold up a flag and the whole of Europe spits in your face?? It was a bit inappropriate but hardly the end of the world. Did Madonna (therefore all of the US), also spit in your face? You did put on a good show, relax ffs.

Idan Cohen
Idan Cohen
4 years ago
Reply to  ennisol

Maddona made an act to support peace. Hatari made an act to criticize us.
the small difference.

Plus, Madonna doesn’t need to prove her love to Israel, and Hatari doesn’t need to prove their hate to Israel.

ennisol
ennisol
4 years ago
Reply to  Idan Cohen

Madonna also broke KAN / EBU rules, but that’s ok isn’t it, she’s Madonna after all. Do you think hatari were criticizing Jews for existing or criticizing the Israeli state for the occupation?

Unicorn
Unicorn
4 years ago
Reply to  Idan Cohen

Hatari has never said they hated Israel that is a straight out lie! They just want peace for everyone and love! Leave Palestine alone!!

eurovision6
eurovision6
4 years ago
Reply to  Idan Cohen

Yes, please leave

Nitzan
Nitzan
4 years ago
Reply to  Idan Cohen

Man, we literally won Eurovision in 2018. What the hell are you talking about? Take a chill pill and leave us alone!

NoGeoblocks
NoGeoblocks
4 years ago

BAN ICELAND from Eurovision 2020.

This was not a surprise, it wasn’t spontaneous, it was very calculated, and they were warned about it over and over and over again.
They broke the rule AND they broke their promise to the EBU and to Jon Ola Sand personally.

Disrespectful, uncalled for, and against the rules. They knew what they did, and they should know it comes with a price.

Ban Iceland from Eurovision 2020

Nicki
Nicki
4 years ago
Reply to  NoGeoblocks

I feel like it’s a test for ebu. They should stand behind their words and punish Iceland properly, so these things won’t happen again. What hatari did was a blunt political statement that has no place in Eurovision.

Fat rolls
Fat rolls
4 years ago

Screw you you are fat

kjsslkj
kjsslkj
4 years ago

looks like p….lestine is occupied

Markeu
Markeu
4 years ago
Reply to  kjsslkj

looks like Israel finally LIBERATED (!) its Biblical land from p……lestine occupiers

Junt
Junt
4 years ago

So I guess Brave edition in 2019 is being hyprocite, waving the flag of LGBT biggest enemy and make sure it looks good on Instagram for the likes. Pathetic and disguting.

DoriStori
DoriStori
4 years ago
Reply to  Junt

Being an LGBT+ supporter and being against the killings of innocent people goes hand in hand mate

Lara Liv
Lara Liv
4 years ago

Blows my mind, EBU……executioners. Would love to know who rules and holds the reigns
in Eurovision!

mikael1
mikael1
4 years ago

I don’t know why people think Israel is gay friendly, only Tel-Aviv is gay friendly, if you go to other cities then you will face the homophobia, specially in Jerusalem.

Eli
Eli
4 years ago
Reply to  mikael1

What? Im from Jerusalm and Ive never suffer from any kind of homophobia. Of course in Tel Aviv is more common but its also true that Israelis, NOT ONLY IN TLV, are very gay friendly. And im saying it from personal expiernce.

Shawn
Shawn
4 years ago
Reply to  mikael1

No place in the world is completely “gay-friendly”…

European
European
4 years ago
Reply to  Shawn

True.

NoGeoblocks
NoGeoblocks
4 years ago
Reply to  mikael1

So much BS.
Hatari should try waving the gay flag or the trans-rights flag in pali territories. (or anywhere else in the middle east)

THEY WOULD DIE

DoriStori
DoriStori
4 years ago
Reply to  NoGeoblocks

They went to Palestine, and they are working on a song with a Palestine artist, they’re not dead yet

Shanfa Chai
Shanfa Chai
4 years ago
Reply to  mikael1

Israel is certainly much more gay-friendly than their Muslim neighbors.

Eyal
Eyal
4 years ago
Reply to  mikael1

You have no idea what you’re talking about… “Only TLV is gay-friendly”… What a superficial point of view.

Lola
Lola
4 years ago

The Eurovision Song Contest without politics DOES NOT EXIST! It’s embedded in the smallest parts where we don’t even see it and some more obvious parts as well, like the jury voting. But I do think that it has to be kept to a minimum by the EBU. Although I was a huge fan of Hatari (still am and will always be, I like their music and personalities), they crossed the line. As said before, they were given a last warning the week before the final and now have to face consequences. But I don’t think they mind it, just… Read more »

romanian
romanian
4 years ago

That girl needs to be bald. Klemens has a beer belly. Just cover yourself.

European
European
4 years ago
Reply to  romanian

Klemens looks great.

LuLuT
LuLuT
4 years ago

Iceland is the real winner of competition. Eurovision is obviously highly political and Hatari avoid the ambiant hipocrism. Well done !!!

aroncido
aroncido
4 years ago

What I don’t get is how people see this as “insulting Israel” but Madonna’s move as “about peace and love”. Hatari have only shown the flag. The same flag Madonna showed. They didn’t burn Israeli flags or do anything of the sort. They didn’t even say “Israel bad, Palestine good” or anything of the sort. What they did was raise awareness to an ongoing issue regarding Palestine, the same thing Madonna did. I fail to see how this is so very controversial.

Gunilla
Gunilla
4 years ago

Well, EBU also missed Eriks Saade said when he delivered Sweden score. He is not alowed to go to Israel because his Palestina heritage? Sweeds could read about it on Aftonbladet.
He said that he whish he could be there, but said maby next year. He didn’t mean as a competitor but as just as a ordinary human.

I

Gunilla
Gunilla
4 years ago
Reply to  Gunilla

Well, this is in Swedish. But his father is a palastine, rased in Libanon. That’s the reasons he has problem to visit Israel.
https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/melodifestivalen/a/50WeOz/saades-palestina-pik-i-eurovision-sandningen

Kuhkatz
Kuhkatz
4 years ago

I wont go through all of these comments here.

But even if they „only“ finished tenth, with the palestine banner, they just showed, how easy it is to create a huge discussion, not only here but in many other media as well.

Hate me or not, but Hatari seems to be a clever bunch of people who exactly know what they are doing.

Alex
Alex
4 years ago

EBU is playing a really dangerous game, as usual. Eurovision is full of political situations; juries using political reasons, songs talking about political issues, juries talking about political shit, flags talking about political things… Basically, the EBU is saying that some political opinions are ok and some political opinions are wrong, and they are giving the host country the power to decide what is ok and what is wrong. That is INSANE.

Markeu
Markeu
4 years ago

FREE ISRAEL from Palestinian TERROR!! Israel is established in its OWN (!!) Biblical land!! Any complaints – refer them to the BIBLE (Customer Service department is open every Sunday (from 8:00-11:00 AM) in your community Church) . BTW – Great show Israel

LjupcoMKD
LjupcoMKD
4 years ago
Reply to  Markeu

The bible is just another book of foolish fantasies written by then influential philosophers. Israel is an artificial state created by UK, USA and France and some other influential countries back in the 1940s after WWII so they have control over the Near East. Calling a land Biblical means absolutely nothing. And don;t even get me started on the “great show” full of technical errors. Imagine that, such a “great and glorious” country like Israel failed to properly maintain the simplest technical procedures.

Markeu
Markeu
4 years ago
Reply to  LjupcoMKD

Tell your above TRASH to the Vatican (the Pope will sure be happy to hear your stupidity).
The establishment of the Israelites in their Biblical land precedes even the establishment of YOUR own country. The Israelites were ex-pulsed from their land by the Europeans (Romans) at BC and returned to their home 70 years ago. Were you in the toilet when History lesson was given?? At least try to hide how History Moron you are!!

keith mawson
keith mawson
4 years ago
Reply to  Markeu

History is often skewed and blurred over. History is made by the victors. Its a great deal different from what we see in main stream media

Markeu
Markeu
4 years ago
Reply to  LjupcoMKD

And BTW – don´t forget to go to an optometrist and check your vision (seems you are really impaired dear). Get some help !! The Show was Brilliant !!

Kosey
Kosey
4 years ago
Reply to  Markeu

I believe in the (insert name here) Fairy and I asked my local council if I could set up the (insert name here) Land of the Fairies on my street. Sadly the council refused so now I am in the process of evicting my neighbors from the street. The (insert name here) Fairy has always lived on my street since it was written in the (insert name here) Scrolls many years ago so I know I am entitled to the street. I am much richer than my neighbors so i’ll start building a wall in their garden so they can’t… Read more »

Markeu
Markeu
4 years ago
Reply to  Kosey

And… what´s your point??
Try again dear this time with REALITY cause seems that the Fairy stuff is fully in your mind. Facts are different!! Try maybe some medication against Fairy hallucinations.

Kosey
Kosey
4 years ago
Reply to  Markeu

That religion has a lot to answer for.

Soda vomitstream
Soda vomitstream
4 years ago

-A few quick reminders: An independant palestinian state has never existed
– There are over 35 islamic countries in the whole world
– There is only one jewish country in the whole world
– There isn’t a single other country in the world where jews don’t have to fear for their lives.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.breakingisraelnews.com/125499/the-islamic-hate-that-killed-a-little-jewish-girl-still-haunts-france-opinion/amp/

ennisol
ennisol
4 years ago

Another quick reminder: – no independent states existed until the 16th / 17th century, e.g. the Israeli state has only existed for 70 years – so whats your point exactly? The Kurds have never had their own state – does that mean they don’t exist? You don’t get to decide how people identify themselves (and that equally includes white Eastern European Jews with no genetic links to Israel but who now identify as Israeli). – there’s only one Jewish state, correct, this was sorted in 1948. It’s doesn’t include The West Bank, Gaza, Jerusalem or The Golan – but you… Read more »

European
European
4 years ago

>There isn’t a single other country in the world where jews don’t have to fear for their lives.

Not a single? How about USA, Poland, Germany, and other EU countries? And also what it has to do with a subject of Israeli war crimes? Does Jewish safety equals to war crimes for you? I have hard times trying to understand your logic here. Hatari protested against war crimes not against Jewish people.

NoGeoblocks
NoGeoblocks
4 years ago
Reply to  European

NOT A SINGLE ONE. Keep on closing your eyes to shootings in synagogues and antisemitic attacks all around you. Which you encourage.

NOT A SINGLE ONE.
Israel is the only safe place for jews. History and the present and people like you prove it daily.

Kosey
Kosey
4 years ago
Reply to  NoGeoblocks

Israel doesn’t appear to be very safe either – just saying.

NoGeoblocks
NoGeoblocks
4 years ago
Reply to  Kosey

At least in Israel, their homeland, jews are not at the mercy of others.

Israel is the only place where jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze, Bahai and others can live side by side in peace and security in the middle east.

Just Ask the 4 beautiful hosts of Eurovision, each with a very different background

ennisol
ennisol
4 years ago

Another quick remimder:
– independent states have only been around for the last 300 years. Take Israel as an example…. it’s only been an independent state for 70 years. Kurds don’t have their own independent state. Does that mean they don’t exist?
– correct, there is only one Jewish state and it doesn’t include the occupied territories.
– “…isn’t a single country….jews…fear for their lives” – so why build settlements in someone else’s territory – I don’t see the link.

I wish people would think before spouting off.

With that said, great show Israel, you did a fine job.

Kosey
Kosey
4 years ago

I believe in myself but I don’t have a country just for me yet.

pierre ledoux
pierre ledoux
4 years ago

hard to accept the EBU rules considering what israel is actually doing. will madonna be sanctioned too?
i bet in netherlands we will see plenty of palestinian flags whether israel or the EBU likes it or not.

Issy
Issy
4 years ago

ppl pretending eurovision ain’t political as if cyprus didn’t give greece 12 points and greece giving cyprus 12 points

David F
David F
4 years ago
Reply to  Issy

I was surprised by how few points Cyprus received. I thought Tamta’s GF performance was great.

Kiri
Kiri
4 years ago
Reply to  Issy

And sweeden getting 12 points from norway and Netherlands every year?but that s another thing right? It s not the same no no,whole eurovision is based on politicals so you cant accuse only grreece and cyprus,you hypocrite!!

Minerva
Minerva
4 years ago
Reply to  Kiri

I agree. Greece and Cyprus are two small countries that vote for each other but are not considered strong contenders to win the competition every year. And they don’t get 12pts from other countries.

Fanofmusicesc
Fanofmusicesc
4 years ago
Reply to  Issy

So the Scandinavian exchange of votes is not political and the exchange of 12 points among Greece and Cyprus is political and is your main problem every year…. It’s not political that all juries have voted again Sweden as a winner without having the best song but it is political the fact that Cyprus (which actually has Greek residents it the majority) give 12 points to a country that especially this year had a very beautiful song (but it wasn’t Swedish song so it couldn’t be in the top 10)-that’s the European logic…in a Europe full of other problems and… Read more »

Jo.
Jo.
4 years ago

just a quick reminder…

Goddess
Goddess
4 years ago

“The Eurovision Song Contest is a non-political event and this directly contradicts the contest’s rules.” – tell this to the jury voting system which is all about the politics, not truly good music.

Lara Liv
Lara Liv
4 years ago
Reply to  Goddess

Personally I think it’s time to turn off the lights and close the door, preferably with a heavy chain 🙂

Esc fan
Esc fan
4 years ago
Reply to  Goddess

Agreed. My country Malta never has a chance to win

Alex
Alex
4 years ago

I wouldn’t be surprised if it results in Hatari being banned from Israel.

Laburnum
Laburnum
4 years ago
Reply to  Alex

Would they get to at least have their wrestle before they leave?

Goor
Goor
4 years ago
Reply to  Laburnum

Oh they will. it’s called “international departing flights security”.

I hope they packed vaseline.

European
European
4 years ago
Reply to  Goor

Am I picking up subtle homophobic undertones in your comment?

nitzan
nitzan
4 years ago
Reply to  Alex

why would they be banned from israel? because they waved the palestinian flag? that’s rediculous.
and don’t forget kan broadcast chose to show hatari on camera during that moment, they could’ve cut to a different image, after all

nitzan
nitzan
4 years ago
Reply to  Alex

why would they be banned from israel? because they waved the palestinian flag? that’s rediculous

Lara
Lara
4 years ago
Reply to  Alex

Actually I welcome that gesture. Would be a blast, and likely be the end of the very friendly Eurovision 😉 between nations

poe-tay-toe-chips
poe-tay-toe-chips
4 years ago
Reply to  Alex

Lol, I don’t think Hatari would want to go back to Israel anyway or care if they got banned

Kosey
Kosey
4 years ago

Yes, I bet they can’t wait to get away from such intolerant and nasty people as displayed on this thread.

poe-tay-toe-chips
poe-tay-toe-chips
4 years ago

It’s the EBU’s own fault for being stupid. Hatari made their intentions clear from the very beginning. They came to talk about p@lestine and that’s the only reason they wanted to compete. What did the EBU think would happen honestly? Hatari gave them plenty of warnings that they were going to speak their minds. The EBU had very many chances to reject and deny them. If the EBU doesn’t like an act, they shouldn’t have allowed them after songvakeppnin to begin with You don’t just…let a vocally p@lestine-sympathizing group compete and then not expect anything to happen and act surprised… Read more »

Rasmus
Rasmus
4 years ago

Christer Björkman missed the final and is in hospital :(. So stop say stupid things about him anymore. I hope he will be find. He loves ESC and are always fair

GoldenBoy
GoldenBoy
4 years ago
Reply to  Rasmus

No, he always promotes Sweden and his beloved countries, I hope that he will finally leave the post for health reasons

trxesc
trxesc
4 years ago
Reply to  Rasmus

“and are always fair” HAHAHAHAHA BEST JOKE EVERRRRRRR

esc1234
esc1234
4 years ago
Reply to  Rasmus

He will be totally fine in order to promote sweden next year. Omg send Dolly style, i wanna see their faces when they will flop in the televoting even harder than Ingrosso

Whisker
Whisker
4 years ago
Reply to  Rasmus

What has happened to him?

jack
jack
4 years ago
Reply to  Whisker

he lost again despite influencing juries and the running order, its hard to sink in

NoGeoblocks
NoGeoblocks
4 years ago
Reply to  Whisker

He heard you say it’s legal to be gay in Muslim countries and he had a stroke by how ill informed you are.

JK, Feel better, Christer, and with Jon Ola find a way to punish Iceland for knowingly breaking the rules despite being warned multiple times

jack
jack
4 years ago
Reply to  NoGeoblocks

“find a way to punich iceland” what the hell a fascist does in the wiwiblogs? go away scam

Whisker
Whisker
4 years ago
Reply to  NoGeoblocks

I didn’t say it was legal, LOL.

Ami
Ami
4 years ago

As an israeli, I’m always fascinated by one question: How is it that just one week after hunderds of rockets were launched at israeli cities, and videos were published with threats to bomb the eurovision with explosives, that the PALs end up being supported or emphatized? It really astounds me. Like, how much the media stirrs up people’s minds that this happens.

eurovision6
eurovision6
4 years ago
Reply to  Ami

Of course as always everyone should feel sorry about the Israelis.. they never do anything wrong, only democracy in the middle east. Just killing people in the name of peace and calling it self defence while taking another country and calling it theirs

Ami
Ami
4 years ago
Reply to  eurovision6

Eurovision6, as unfortunate as it is, there’s nothing wrong in killing terrorists for self defense. What are isralies suppose to do, just let the PALs slaughter them, just to get a nice treatment from the media and their “unarmed protestors” cliche? Plus, Israel has suggested them endless offers for a state, and they always refuse. If this eurovision has taught me anything, and probably others as well, is how far the distance between us israeli’s israel and the fabricated one served on the media. There’s no other explanation for such absurdities.

eurovision6
eurovision6
4 years ago
Reply to  Ami

But the picture that paints Palestinians as terrorists and Israel as victims is a lie. The Israeli government has taken land from Palestinians and they are killing them in their own land. Israel is not a country, it is stolen land. The Palestinians have the right to that land. I love the irony of an Israeli blaming the media. Jews own a majority of the media

ennisol
ennisol
4 years ago
Reply to  Ami

Ami, quite right about killing terrorists in self defense but what is this drivel about endless offers for a state, (while still building settlements). You lost me there.

omer
omer
4 years ago
Reply to  ennisol

israel offers 94% of the west bank and they refuse.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76NytvQAIs0&t=274s

ennisol
ennisol
4 years ago
Reply to  omer

You direct us to a youtube video put out by Prager University?? It’s neither a university nor even an educational institution – it’s a right-wing propaganda outlet run by an extremist who claims racism, bigotry and homophobia are just buzzwords, gun ownership is a right, climate change doesn’t exist and democracies don’t work! Lol, I think you’ve just proved my point. Hats off to Omer (simpson?)

European
European
4 years ago
Reply to  Ami

Because committed war crimes do not justify committing war crimes in response according to European morality. That explains everything.

Elsa
Elsa
4 years ago
Reply to  Ami

Hope you don’t get a rocket in your f` head. Israel shouldnt even exist, it is a fake state just to create peace of mind in Europeans after 2nd world war…

Ami
Ami
4 years ago
Reply to  Elsa

Elsa, surely, very humanistic of you. Yet I’m confident that at the same time you have your justifications as to why PAL should exist, right? The bottom line is, as they say, and in reference to hatari: haters gonna hate. The irony is that hatari are the ones spreading the hate, not the other way. The ones who despised israel before this eurovision will probably go on with their hate, and that’s just the way it is. Israelis are craving for empathy sympathy and understanding, but in the end they fight their own battle.

Goor
Goor
4 years ago
Reply to  Elsa

I doubt it. you seem everything but peaceful to me.

ennisol
ennisol
4 years ago
Reply to  Elsa

Israel SHOULD exist, the occupation shouldn’t.

Mic
Mic
4 years ago
Reply to  Ami

Israel does kill innocent people, surrounds itself with a high wall and funds another bombings in Yemen along with the US and Saudi Arabia.

Truly a state of peace and freedom, you can choke on your LGBT rights and other PR games.

Ami
Ami
4 years ago
Reply to  Mic

This high wall you mention was built in order to stop endless terrorist attacks who infiltrated israel and killed thousands of innocent people. There is a clear distinction who is the agressor and who is the defendant. There’s no symmetry betweem terror and the one’s fighting it. Oh, and LGBT rights are a very serious matter, and Israel shouldn’t conceal it. You call it PR, I call it media self defense from accusations and attitude such as yours.

romanian
romanian
4 years ago

Nothing is for free. Nothing.
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