Finland’s broadcaster may be considering withdrawing from Eurovision 2024 over Israel’s participation.
That’s the takeaway if you read between the lines of a recent Instagram Story from the official Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu account.
Their response comes after a wave of fans wrote to them with their concerns. The @uudenmusiikinkilpailu account posted:
“Hello! Thank you for the many messages and remarks. We’ve read every one of them and the message has been passed on to Yle. The situation in the Middle East is very shocking and serious, and it’s also worrying the UMK group.”
“UMK, organised by Yle, has already grown into such a big programme that it is organised regardless of whether Finland participates in Eurovision or not. Regarding Eurovision, Yle’s management is closely following the situation and is in discussions with the EBU and other Nordic countries.”
The news comes as the death toll in Gaza passed 20,000. Data from Gaza’s health ministry indicates that nearly 300 people have been killed each day since the start of the conflict, excluding the seven-day ceasefire.
The UMK Insta Story is the first public statement from any account associated with a participating broadcaster that teases a potential withdrawal over Israel’s participation.
You’ll recall that on 6 December Norway’s NRK stated that it had “not yet taken a position” on Israel’s participation.
It’s a topic that will continue to crop up. Iceland’s songwriting body recently wrote to the state broadcaster asking that Iceland withdraw if Israel participates.
That’s the Palestinian pink washing. They depend on the support of all those western liberals who they don’t support and who they actually would be even killing if they had the opportunity. Do they protect the rights of women? Maybe the gays? God forbid transgenders? Or maybe they protect the rights of non Muslims? The only people who get any rights in their society are straight religious Muslim men. But lets just erase the only tolerant country in the Middle East to make room for yet another radical Islamic state. YAY. Europe, you’ll get your portion of their “culture” in… Read more »
Doesn’t mean they should all be killed or oppressed and it’s disgusting that you think they should just because they have a different opinion to you.
I say that as a gay man, who knows many Palestinians by the way who accept me for who I am.
They are not being all killed or oppressed. Clearly you can’t read the situation in the middle east correctly. I encourage you to educate yourself better about this specific war. (That israel didn’t start btw)
Oh I understand clearly. Don’t worry, I would suggest to actually look at the entire context of Israel/Palestine and clearly educate yourself, as I defy think you need to.
This didn’t even start on October 7th. But Israel definitely did start it.
Also having visited West Bank last year and having had Palestinian friends and seem first hand by myself the oppression that exists there, I’m again going to ask you to educate yourself before you sound ridiculously th!ck.
Wohoo you visited the west bank that one time and talked to some Palestinians. That’s probably makes you more knowledgeable than people who live in the region for decades. Im curious what did your Palestinian friends answer when you asked them why they refused suggestions for 2 states solution 5 different times?
I lived among them not that it’s any of your business and you also completely ignored where I say I saw it with my own eyes? Why?
Palestine rejected any suggestion of 2 states while Israel was able to keep territories it annexed, like Jerusalem. It wasn’t a fair deal. That’s like Ukraine accepting the loss of Mariupol, they would never do that.
Return to the 1947 borders, only then will there be peace.
Seems like you need to educate yourself. Imagine qualifying terror. What a lunatic.
Im from Finland and i will be very angry if YLE (or any other country) withdraws from Eurovision because of the loud minority spamming messages to the UMK Instagram posts (people who don’t understand that Israel/Palestine conflict isn’t like Russian attack, there is no only one country/person to blame, you could also blame USA/Europe for it if you go deep enough to the causes of the conflict). Though im not sure how comfortable the Israel delegation would be in Malmö, so it seems bit weird if they insist on going there if the current active phase of the conflict (Israel… Read more »
So if human rights warriors are protesting Israel’s conclusion, its spamming to you? If UMK had to turn off their comment section, perhaps it’s the majority of Finnish fans that have issue with Israel and not the minority like you wish to portray.
as Israeli , i think its time we will leave the Eurovision.
and in general, Israel should stay away from Europe.
no need to stay where 8 in a place you are not welcome.
Europe hate Jews , frankly i don’t understand , why our brothers and sisters continue to live at Europe….
We don’t hate Jews.
We do however hate facism.
Judaism does not equal Zionism.
Zionism is facism
well…. if you didn’t hate Jews, there was not a need for a state for the Jews
you hate Jews and love the oil of the Arabs- this is the truth. The real one.
Well considering the amount of unconditional support that Israel receives from European governments I don’t think you can say that Europe hates Jews.
Also, I don’t hate Jews and I’m European so you’re not speaking for me.
A “Jewish state” was established after World War 2 after the gen0c1de committed against them.
However that’s turned into something else now entirely
The State of Israel would have been established even if it had not been for the Holocaust, there was the Balfour Declaration from 1917. Various committees were established to examine the establishment of a Jewish state in the Land of Israel even before the Holocaust such as the San Remo Committee Since Israel accepted the UN Partition Plan on 11/29/1947, maybe you can finally find out what happened next? Who started the war? Is this Israel? The State of Israel was established in the Land of Israel. And the bond between Jews and the Land of Israel was not born… Read more »
All this is purely hate of jews…we know that well in Israel,,, all the occupation story is just an excuse…israel’s society wants to live and the other side’s culture is to kill.. this is their culture…I think that europe sees this culture among them slowly slowly..
Going back to Eurovision in 2024 and after reading all these comments, I do particularly feel sorry for the Israeli participant in 2024, whoever it will be, especially if it’s a rising star-like competition. It’s going to ruin their career and their well-being.
No no.. we will stand strong and pride, defending our flag and knowing that one day you will be in the same situation…
The support you claim we received is not free. Without the State of Israel, the Middle East would be even more unstable. The West has an interest in Israel continuing to absorb the blows for you. The fact is that the Jews are the only people in history who did not impose their religion on others, this is the department of Christians and Muslims. To say that Zionism is fascism is a racist statement. You should know the difference, considering you're European, and it's your invention. The reason Israel is in a constant state of war is because the other… Read more »
What does oil and arabs have anything to do with Eurovision? Baffled by this comment
all the geopolitical conflicts is a fight for energy supply.
if the arabs didnt have most of the oil, do you think the west was so nice to Arabs countries ?
eurovision is a geopolitical microcosms …
you want to know more ?
get a book….
Oh so “we don’t hate Jews but we want them to have no land, no government and no army to protect them from the next gen0cide”. Right honey, your anti zionism is SO different from antisemitism.
They can have their land, honey. But they don’t need to take anyone else’s.
Go back to 1947 borders. Then we will talk…honey.
I am israeli too. I think that we shall participate in eurovision just because we need to expose the hypocrisy of europe. I wonder what would they have a done if such an evil cruel enemy was in their door step….
Cruel? Look in the mirror sweetheart.
Ban azerbaijan
Why is azerbaijan still allowed?
I personally think Israel will withdraw from the competition next year. To avoid humiliation and defeat. In a city with a massive pro-Palestinian connection and support, Malmo might not be the most welcoming of places in May for them. I actually feel sorry for whoever the representative might be because the focus of booing and heckling will be centred on the government’s actions, not the talent of the artist. This could really damage their career and well-being.
I can see that you think that it’s the first war Israel is dealing with that has international attention. Darling, if we cared about every antisemite disguised to a “pro Palestinian “ we wouldn’t participate in anything anywhere. But this is not the case isn’t it? We won’t give you this satisfaction ever. If Israel can win the entire contest in 2018 it can win it in 2024 as well. The Palestinian issue existed back then as well.
I’m not going into so much political indulgence , I wish peace , and this is a platform for music . Believe what you want but humanity and compassion comes first over anything in the entire world . Not death and destruction .
so please react to all what my country IL is going through…. a second Holocaust happened and you just feel alright with this… we came back to world war 2….the israeli army is trying its best not to harm civilians but unfortunately they are human shields for the most evil murderers…. what could you do better if your country was under a real threat of extermination… you saw what they did! so, we really don’t care what the irish or britts think about us… we know that we are the good side and we want to live because we have… Read more »
Ah so the whole of Malmo is anti Semitic? Way to through our Swedish brothers under the bus!
half of Malmo is muslim now….. a new arab state inside Sweden.. and as I see they are doing great things there….
we have many supporters, but they are calm and civilaized and so they are not heard, We don’t have to worry…They defend the evil or they don’t even know what they defend…
They will 100% compete in Malmö if the EBU let them.
Eurovision would be the perfect platform for them to showcase themselves in a “positive” light.
They’ll probably enter a big gay dance number and pink wash the entire thing. In the most cynical way possible.
And some of the fandom (you know which ones I’m talking about) will eat it up as if nothing ever happened. Because Slayyyyy right?
Sadly, this is exactly what will happen.
No…. you are totally disconected, mr. antisemite….
Israel is in a big depression now because of all things that you don’t dare to know…
I guess that our song will be more in the direction of a ballad..
Your comment lost all credibility when you called me an antisemite.
That’s such a lazy shutdown attempt to try and stop me from criticising Israel.
Your country is a Zionist facist state. Even Jews outside Israel have condemned the actions of your apartheid government. I know I’m not an antisemite and that suits me fine. It’s complete and utter Co.ck to label someone as antisemetic for criticising Israel, I thought Israel was a “democracy”, you know in a democratic society that criticism is allowed right? Not very democratic to try and shut down a valid opinion with such nonsense.
There’s no apartheid, in israel arabs get to do whatever the fu** they want and can blame jews for it. They have all freedom in the world The reason certain people can’t enter it, is because of intifadas and bus bombings that used to take place there a few years back. It’s easy to bully israel but you might as well call apartheid to other countries but like i said again its easy to throw around words without knowing what they mean, and yes, your comment sounded anti-semitic espeically when people like you use thr word zionist wothout knowing wuat… Read more »
Zionism is facism
And I can tell you straight out, Arabs in Israel and those in the OCCUPIED West Bank cannot do whatever the fu they want.
I’ve seen it myself.
Don’t even try it dear, it won’t work with me.
Israel is a terrorist state.
He is right tho. You sound very anti-semitic with the choice of words, also zionist is not a cuss words or an insult. You’re not really that intelligent i guess.
You need to look up what antisemitism actually is as you clearly don’t know.
Intelligence is clearly lacking with you.
Or is the truth just hurting and your resorting to the typical cliche response of antisemitism to try shut me up? Either way, dumb move.
Again,
Zionism is facism
I disagree with you, I think Israel will participate. Israel even participated in 2013, even then the competition was in Malmö, with the exception of a small demonstration held by Muslims against Israel, no problems were recorded and no boos were shouted. After all, not only the residents of Malmö will take part in the crowd, but from all over Europe, I believe that they know very well that the war was forced on Israel, since Israel did not start the war on 7/10/23, nor did it violate the ceasefire
you are defending those who made atrocities in israel, including many “innocent civilians”…. If Norway or Ireland would retaliate for such a massacre everything would be ok for you…. it’s just the hate of jews that lead you and your fellows to react like this
Norway and Ireland don’t participate in the oppression of others, don’t take other peoples land. Don’t bring in settlers from abroad and give them stolen land.
Ireland has however been victim of this, hence why the country supports Palestine and condemn the actions of the facist Israel.
It’s not hatred of Jews. Jewish populations exist in many European countries, including Ireland and have themselves condemned the actions of Israel.
I meant charter, not voucher
Olly Alexander, the U.K entrant has posted this:
“We are watching a ge*nocide take place in real time.
Death overflows from our phone screens and into our hearts. And, as a queer community, we cannot sit idly by while the Israeli government continues to wipe out entire lineages of Pa1estinian families.
Since the violent creation of the state 75 years ago, the Israeli military and Israeli settlers have continued to terrorise Pa1estinian people.
Queer and trans Palestinians have long highlighted that pinkwashing plays a significant role in Zionist propaganda.”
King speaking truth. I will be sure to throw him a few votes come May.
A gnocide is what happened to Israel… the ter..rists went from house to house and killed and burn everyone… They wanted to continue to do it in many towns if we didnt stop them….
the population of G.aza is multiplying itself every some years… is this a definition of a g..nocide??
it is so trendy to be against Israel but do you all know who are you defending????
And that’s where he is wrong. He is another brainwashed lefty. There was no violent creation, if anything like I have mentioned before, it’s it’s arab israelis that attacked the jews upon the creation of it, and the jews had to fight the, resulted in their loss. That’s where in 1964 they decided to call themselves “palestinans” and not leave the jews alone. It’s saddening to see olly fighting the only jewosh country in the world whe actually uslims have 22 countries, perhaps even more. Who’s to count anymore. I hope this trend of spreading flase news about israel will… Read more »
Anyone who demands that Israel be excluded should also demand that Ukraine be excluded. Both countries have been brutally attacked and both are now defending themselves against these terrorist attacks and trying to protect their people.
The difference between Ukraine and Israel is that one is a victim and the other is a genoc*de-inducing oppressor.
no…. Israel is not terrorist
You can’t attack first and then claim to be the victim. Palestinians started this war and therefore they are not the victims of this war, their are the initiators of this war. The fact that the war didn’t go their way is their own problem.
Yawn yawn yawn
This didn’t start in October.
yes, the p..alestinians attack on my country started back many years ago…
I must say do you are a real ignorant
I must say you are a real brainwashed fool
I’d be okay banning all politically involved countries in that case. Azerbaijan is next on my list.
The fact its just plain text on a black background then swiftly deleted suggests its a disgruntled rogue employee.
The Nordic countries aren’t going to miss Sweden’s big party.
Israel aligns with ESC values far more than Ham ass do. If Olly Alexander went to Tel Aviv he’d be safe and celebrated, in Gazza Ham ass would push him off a building.
Enough of your small mindedness. This is a song contest after all and we don’t need any more propaganda from whatever side. The world has had enough of violence whatever side is inflicting. We pray for peace for the oppressor and those who are oppressed. Before May next year if Isreal’s leaders are formally charged by the Hague war crime tribunal then i am sorry to say until you have change your government then the EBU will not allow for participation. Humanity comes first.
yes…. humanity comes first….
we know exactly who is the human side of the story…
Did i say before that hate of jews and Israel is all what dictate your reactions?
Can i ask would Olly receive a warm welcome in Mea Shearim? Think about it.
you are so Pathetic!!!!
Mea shearim doesn’t welcome israelis who are not like them so what a pathetic comparaison…
I wish you joy in your life with many neighbours that you like….who will force themselves on you with their religion… I want to see you in ten years
Nordic countries are in discussion regarding withdrawing? So if Finland withdraw and Sweden join… Then LET’S PARTY IN TEL AVIV IN MAY!!!! #TelAviv24
Slaughtering 20 thousand people next door and you want to celebrate in Tel Aviv? Not suprised considering Israel put on a music festival right on the border of the worlds biggest open air prison.
What a disgusting thing to say. Palestinians are being brutally murdered in an ongoing genoc*de, and you want Eurovision to be held a couple hundred kilometers away?
This is why we cannot have Israel in Eurovision, we cannot allow people to become numb to the situation in Palestine and buy into Zionist propaganda showing Tel Aviv as a ”party capital”. It’s pinkwashing and whitewashing at its finest. Enough is enough.
Palestinians invaded Israel and started a war. They are loosing the war that they started on their own terms. And by the way they could end it if they agreed to release all the hostages that they still keeping, including women and children. But they PREFER TO KEEP THEM SO THE WAR WILL GO ON. It’s really very simple.
What a horrible comment. I am totally amazed and overwhelmed by how blatant a comment like yours can really make a bad impression on a country. Always a minority’s actions noticed, or is it the majority? Time and truth will tell.
The more i read your comments the more i realize what a horrible person you are…. defending the murder of israeli babies and children in their beds, people were burn alive and you defend it…
many israeli soldiers are dying just because they try not to kill civilians…
Literally not how that works. The ebu would take swedens choices on where it would be held, so if Sweden dropped out, they for sure wouldn’t choose israel.
United by music … well . You all see free palestine this is a pro gay site . Do you know that one of the issues of árabes against Israel is that Israel is a free country where women are free and gays are also rights . Go to Palestine and be gay there … oh you cant be gay ! And If you are awoman you have to ware burka , had 20 children só that they can be martirs in the name of Ala ! Please . Israel is defending democracy and freedom .I do believe that if… Read more »
I don’t like talking about it because it’s an esc site but I get really annoyed over pinkwashing. Israel being more accepting towards LGBTQ+ and Palestinian people being homophobic in general, doesn’t mean that the one has the right to exist as a country and the other not. You know ,I am gay , but I am also a human and I don’t think homophobic countries have to be oppressed by the west. That’s not how it works. Also in Israel they promote them being accepting. Their society is much much more homophobic than the average western one. Leave your… Read more »
Being pro Palestine is fashionable at the moment. Dont ever forget that most of arab countrys are under sharia laws. They way of thinking is medieval . And that is the issue. They dont acept our civilization . Thats the issue with Israel …. O could start showing facts like one of the 1st terrorist atacks was against the Israel olimpic team in Munich 72…. So vlame Israel taking a chance to this country of showcase is music is wrong . The Gaze situation isn t black or White . Poor children of course but this is the oldest conflict… Read more »
I’m suffering with your lack of spelling and grammar. Clearly youre a victim of a failed Israeli education system.
Come on, Wedding Cake Island! There is no need to criticize each other knowlegde of English, most of us are not native speakers but we do our best. Eg trur ikkje ordskifta her hadde vore særleg givande om alle skulle bruke eige morsmål. Men det er kanskje det du ønskjer?
Du har rett!
didn’t he understand what I wrote??? what a shame
I AM PORTUGUESE . My english could be better for sure but automatic grammar at my i phone (for portuguese) dont help. And written the text while doing other things also dontThanks . Although I do speak English frensh italian and spanish. Be welcome
To come to my country and try to speak . Seu mentecapto mal educado
how arrogant!!!
check the english of your H/mas friends
Clearly you’re a very areogant person that needs to re-evaluate their life. This kind of approach won’t take you anywhere. Disgusting.
Try saying that in Mea Shearim. Wrong there matey! And it’s on your own doorstep. Peace to you and everyone.
Peace to you and to your H.mas neighbours soon…
arab p…stans gay hide in Israel because they know we will protect them,,,
all these facts are ignored by those who support killing in this blog
As far as i know its fake news, finland is pro israel and not pro terrorists so it doesnt really even make sence….israel not participating eurovision would be not less than a crime to humanity, i dont know any country in the world that would response hard at least as iarael for such a terror attack. If you ask me israel is even gentle, letting citizens to evacuate to safe zones for example, israel doesnt have to do so, in a war like in a war
Israel is a terrorist state.
Palestine is antisemitic.
We all saw on 7.10 who are the terrorists
you are a ter.rist not condemming burning and raping children and women…. when you defend the evil you must be the evil yourself….
but, maybe, one day you will wake up and see you country no longer your country
Israel will participate, for sure, but I am sorry to say if its government are formally charged with war crimes, then it’s certainly an AuRevoir until this is resolved. The same applied to Russia. The sympathy from the European public isn’t there, on the contrary they are very disturbed and shocked by the extent of the retaliation. This is called collective punishment.
Israel will not charged with war crimes.. we have the most moral army in the world but you don’t have to believe that…
so go and search for your pleasure somewhere else
When you hate jews your truth doesn’t seems logic….only we in Israel know the truth about our wonderful friendly people who try to exist among all those predators…
Politics + music = mismatch. Things would be easier, more fun, nicer, more welcoming and entertaining if people could understand that. And remember the slogan – united by music. Boycott is not the right way too go. I might simplyfi things I know – but why not 🙂 Anyway, I am NOT taking a side politically here, neither for or against Israel in the war. Music is my priority anyway.
The problem is, politics is there we like it or not. It’s getting so tense these days that is impossible to ignore. Too hard to do, especially in this social media era.
So, it would be nice to focus on music alone, but people are dying in several places rn, and some on them do so in the hands of representatives of governments that put their broadcasters to participate in Eurovision.
Wiwi is not a place for Israeli fans anymore. Ignoring the Israeli selection for quite a while, ignoring Israeli artists in the “New Music” of former esc entrants, this website only publish David Smith’s biased headlines against us since Oct 7th. Even the comments section in these articles is full of hatred speech against Israelis and Jews, some of them are explicit antisemitism. Shame on you, I really liked William, Deban and the Wiwi community. It’s been part of my esc experience for years. I don’t feel safe and welcomed here anymore.
I google for new Israeli music myself on youtube, do have to use google translate though for song titles
I still think that William likes Israel…. he is enjoying there every time he comes… and he is so free there….
I just don’t understand how William let this blog to be so anti israel while he knows the truth about our nation and society??
we are disspointed, William
Fairplay to the Nordic btoadcasters.
And considering how much sway the Nordics have with the EBU, they might achieve the right result in relation to this.
Kudos for having ethics and morals and not looking like you have double standards.
I appreciate the introspection by these broadcasters.
Downvote me all you want.
I stand firmly against aparthe1d, oppre33ion and gen0c1de
My conscience is clear.
I 100% agree with you. There are a lot of israeli people on this site downvoting. Russia was kicked out and same for israel. Israel has killed more babes in two months than russia in 2 yrs
As you should
If you stood against any of those things, you’d be supporting Israel.
not condemming a massacre is not ethical!
Hats off to YLE that has some guts! Whoever is the broadcaster – KAN or whoever else – the artist is ultimately representing their country!
what guts? for being wokies, not your conflict so don’t say anything
Each conflict is not limited to the country. Israel is spreading destruction and all European governments are now taking stance against that. Israel is doing what russia did so it should be kicked
No, Palestine is doing what Russia did. Israel is defining itself. There were plenty of concessions offered to Palestine in the past – when someone pays for your water pipes and you use those pipes to build bombs and launch them on that someone, you can’t really scream victim.
Israel is a genoc*de inducing oppressor. Ukraine is a victim. Big difference between the two, do not compare them.
Regardless, Israel’s act is going to burn to death in the semifinals if it’s 100% televote. Just like they like to do Palestinians.
People keep forgetting that it’s the broadcaster that gets banned, not the country. EBU cannot ban KAN, literally for what? For criticizing the government? Some of y’all need to touch some grass.
Eurofans cannot swallow the pill that KAN has been critical of Netanyahu‘s office for years. The ignorance lol
Yet all of Israels participants toe the ultra right wing line after the contest is over. Hardly a coincidence, is it?
KAN produced a music video sung by children called ”The Friendship Song 2023” which included genoc*dal lyrics. The lyrics include lines like “Autumn night falls over the beach of G*za, planes are bombing, destruction” the children sing in angelic voices. “Within a year we will ann*hilate everyone, and then we will return to plow our fields.”
KAN removed the video as there were fears it would be seen as complicit in genoc*de, which it was. They should be banned for this alone, among other things.
This is the strangest, most insane lie I have heard for years. How brainwashed are you?!
I saw that video. Not a lie
Share it here then!
Shame on you. This just shoes how heartless people have become! Such people have no spot in places like eurovision
What are you referring to?
Stop shouting ”FAKE NEWS” and simply google the video, and you’ll see it.
Euronews recently covered the video in an article, read it. Stop denying reality, and I encourage all downvoters to do the same.
Share the clip. Why is it so hard? You don’t know how to copy and paste a link? Does your bird brain know how to translate Hebrew to English but can’t perform ctr+v task?
I know the reality on the ground way better than you, up close and personal. My friends and family are there, we lost many to the brutal terrorist and I know many soldiers fighting now for our civilians. What you know when you assume is mainly filtered propaganda. Feel free to share the aleged video, not only your interpretation of something you claim you saw.
No its not a lie at all. Propaganda is at its prime here and has pretty bad taste, to be honest. What people there must realise there is so much evidence accumulating. Wiwibloggs has a policy I believe for not leaving links or personal advertising here, so I will advise you to google it yourself. it was removed from KAN’s website.
yes lovely video that was
Did you mix up your pills honey? The funny thing is that the Palestinian children are actually been filmed multiple times saying horrific stuff, what they would do to the Jews etc. Nowhere you will find Israeli children saying anything near as horrifying. But we all will ignore that and spread lies because we are desperate at this point I guess.
Yes, they can ban a broadcasting organisation based on government actions. Israel can only be banned if their government is charged with war crimes from the Hague. In the meantime, they are here to stay. So the process of selection continues when the time comes, until further notice. Business is normal. (in a world where we currently don’t have normality).
It’s all just virtue signaling, if they actually wanted to withdraw they would have already just done it. They just wanna show how good of a humanitarian they are by saying: “oh look we are willing to withdraw because some nation got attacked by terrorists but we blame them!”
Well then just withdraw then, and stop the virtue signaling, it’s getting old and stale.
They might as well say they send thoughts and prayers. I think if they were seriously considering withdrawing then the message would be worded differently. More strongly.
And if they withdrew the Finnish people Who are so against Israel would be against the withdrawal. Much more against the withdrawal than against Israel.
The thing is that they don’t want to withdraw. They just use it as a threat. If they team up with many broadcasters , that can be effective to ban Israel. Just what happened with Russia, but not in that scale.
I know ESC has always been political but still I think what we are seeing here might be the beginning of the end if ESC.
So… should we let aparthe1d and terror states participate in Eurovision?
Tough times call for tough measures.
I’m not saying one should, just that I think we are seeing the beginning of the end for ESC. Tough times call for tough measures, giving up the idea about uniting through mucic might be one of them.
If anything, Europe will be more united after Israel is banned.
With boundaries for what actions should result in banning constantly moving, deciding who will be allowed to compete and not will in the end be so complicated that there will be no more ESC.
No need for pessism. ESC will easily survive no matter what
I don’t think that ultimately there will be a problem with esc. But I do think that since the contest is SUPPOSED not to be political , the only criteria to ban a country, should be how trustworthy their broadcaster is. If we cross that line , esc might be threatened indeed.
Most interestingly, Wiwibloggs wouldn’t let me post this the first time around, so I had to add a few spaces now. Sorry for that! It’s one thing to simply report on the statement, but when it comes to the rest of the article, I sense a bit of framing. Here, David gives us a daily de ath toll, with his only source being government officials from Ga za. I’m not saying these figures aren’t correct, but they should naturally be doubted as they only reflect one party’s perspective. Also, once you decide to break the number of vict ims down… Read more »
Oh, and let’s not forget about what happened in Georgia, either.
Well the Iraq war isn’t happening right now and I’m assuming this site didn’t exist in 2003. But Bush and Blair are mass murderers and should rot in The Hague, as far as I’m concerned. Alas, we live in a perverse reality where those people never face consequences for their crimes.
whoa, be careful with what you’re saying there
USA were attacked on 9/11 have more respect for the victims of that horrible tragedy pls
Oh you can’t possibly be that delusional, can you? They wrecked a whole country, stirred by their megalomania and islamophobia(or their resources) just to find and kill bin Laden in 2011 in Pakistan. Please , just think.
We were going after a terrorist organisation after the 7/7 9/11 attacks. Which is the same Israel is doing now after the unprovoked attack by extremist Islamist terrorists.
Are you to the USA or the UK? You’re mostly going for robbing the resources of other countries and wreaking havoc on the world, thank you very much.
Here Here ? ?
Why cant they just let Israel be and on May just see whether the people vote for them to qualify? Democracy.
In that case, why don’t we invite Russia and Belarus back too?
Let’s invite every terror state, totalitarian regime, and aparthe1d state back into Eurovision and allow them to push propaganda on stage. Europe definitely needs 3 more Polina Gagarina’s right now, don’t they?
Invite them. Let the public decide if they want them at Esc.
Let me remind you that Russia/Belarus weren’t banned for war and murder. They were banned simply for breaking a single EBU rule – the broadcaster cannot persecute free press or suppress free speech. That’s it. Any other reason is something you’ve made up for yourself to believe in.
If they broke the rules then dont let them participate. Life can be so Easy.
Well why your at it why did no one say to ban Azerbaijan and Armenia after all the conflict that’s happened with them not to mention the fact they used to bring this conflict into the contest as well… didn’t see this many people shouting and screaming for Armenia or Azerbaijan to be banned. It’s clearly leftist anti semitism.
Oh God. The atrocities in these wars are not even close. Check the numbers
when you say “atrocities” you must refer to what happened to Israel during the years
Indeed! And things might be very different in May anyway
Israel has gone through one of the worst terrorist attacks in history and now this hypocrisy. No resemblance to Russia which was not attacked by Ukraine.
Shameful.
yeah i know, very sad to see so much hatred towards jewish people, makes me want to cry
If anybody needed more proof that antisemitism still is very much a thing in Europe, here it is. This isn’t meant to be an apology for Netanyahu’s military tactics, which indeed appear to be out of proportion. But if it wasn’t Israel, sure as helly nobody would bat an eye.
Aye wonder if the tables had turned and say Finland or one of the other virtue signaling nordics were attacked then rightfully went after the terrorists responsible would we all be shouting for them to be banned… pretty much doubt it. If we can happily turn a blind eye to Azerbaijan/Armenia.
You should write that on umk’s instagram so they let the finns know how hypocrite they are for asking to boycott israel
Will you use antisemitism against any criticism. The crimes that were committed against Jews in the past , don’t make them victims in any occasion.
No, I won’t. But what makes the whole discussion about Israel’s participation a clear sign of antisemitism is that most of the Eurovision fandom couldn’t care less about other conflicts or even war crimes happening in Eurovision countries. At best, that’s hypocritical. But I guess we both know it isn’t just that.
you forgot the present…..
Their “possible” withdrawal means they are not going to withdraw.
😀
Yea sure, use the numbers of the ministry led by Hamas themselves, they’re probably true and accurate…
I can’t get over the hypocrisy of countries participating with Israel and in Israel for the last 50 years, as if any of it is new.
Also, those who supported Ukraine, condemn Israel now? While Ukrainians themselves support Israel…
YLE shouldn’t withdraw and should simply accept the fact the EBU has already decided it’s ok for Israel to take part.
They’re fighting to eliminate a terror organization, it won’t end in a day or two and it wouldn’t be clean, unfortunately…
Can’t they just leave and not let their private discussions be known to the world? Just get out of it and don’t make a fuss about it. I don’t care abt the Israel Palestine war so don’t ruin my Eurovision joy.
I understand your point. But remember that Eurovision joy also involves inclusivity. I feel sorry it destroys the joy for you though.
United by Music and Separated by Intolerance. I had a great time at this site, but I think it became too toxic, so I may get my daily dose of Eurovision in a site that does not take advantage of the situation for more clicks. (I predict this comment getting a million downvote, but am I surprised).
Why should Europeans tolerate a modern-day aparthe1d state?
They’ve been fighting for decades, so why complain now?
Like many others, I have never supported Israel’s participation in Eurovision.
We aren’t just complaining now, our voices are simply highlighted due to the current events.
so you are against the Jews and therefore against the Israeli people who are as much human beings as the Palestinians. Scandalous!
I’m sure you’ve heard this a million times, but let me repeat it as it doesn’t seem to be clicking in your head: antizionism doesn’t equal antisemitism.
Gosh, some Eurofans have worms for brains.
Or: united by music, separated by juries :-O Sadly…..
Well done to Finland. I thought Iceland or Ireland would be the first to take a stand.
Let’s hope more broadcasters follow suit.
Follow suit of what exactly? Did they say they are withdrawing? No, they just said we are very shocked, concerned and blabla and we might consider a possible withdrawal.
Finland has ignited an important discussion. They’re the first broadcaster (to my knowledge) to even discuss a possible withdrawal because of Israel’s participation. It’s a small step, but it’s important, other broadcasters will follow suit and also discuss a withdrawal if Israel competes.
Other Broadcasters Will follow suit? If they are so really against this they should withdraw. Easy as that. All this maybe we think about possibly withdrawing.
pro palestinian = anti-Semitism
God, that sounds like something a right-wing Republican would say on Fox News.
Let me repeat. Antizionism doesn’t equal anti-semitism.
Freedom of speech for the right thing. Respect!
Freedom of speech is for both sides though, and ur clearly biased against israel
I guess there is always live on tape. ?
Israel would probably call that anti-semitic too.
This is a shame!
Although I am not sure this will lead to anything, bravo to any broadcaster who stands against an Israeli participation. And yes also against an Azeri one as well
I wish to Finlad to have their own 7th of October. I will then blame them for any action they will take to protect themselves, call them Naz*s and compare them to H*tler. Then I would claim that their country should become a part of Russia anyway. Then they will understand how the Israelis feel.
Israeli people are very focused on October 7th – suggesting it was the dawn of time, the whole start to the conflict – neglecting everything that happened before that.
Maybe try to look inwards and be honest about how Israel has acted long before that specific date.
With regards,
The rest of the world
Let me tell you what happened before that. Europeans were racist enough to generate one of the worst gen*cides in history, so the Jews had to leave to a place of their own, which is the land of their ancestors from which they were kicked out by colonialists. The Palestinians refused to share the land and started a war, lost and started another war, lost again and never agreed to any peace treaty that was ever offered to them. Now they started yet another war that they are loosing so the whole world is supposed to save them from the… Read more »
If you believe Europe is/was racist to Israel, then drop out of Eurovision and never come back. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
No no, it’s much more fun to come, win and then make you come to us and participate on OUR land. Way way more fun.
Sorry Wedding Cake not your lucky day. Seems like you personally have 0 care about Jewish deaths either by Europeans or by Arabs but Israelis love this silly little contest despite having to share the stage with hypocrites.
your cake is so bitter
And you forget to mention how many babies and children were killed in busses explosions in all times in israel
If anybody has to take a good look inwards is the Europeans that couldn’t help themselves but being cruel and racist for generations. Trading humans like animals because they are black or killing others because their noses are too big. Israel would not have to exist if Jews were safe in Europe and the other countries they were in. European racism is the reason why Israel even became a necessity. So thank you guys for that. It’s cute that you have changed but it doesn’t bring my grandmothers family back to life, isn’t it. So sit quietly because it seems… Read more »
Again, drop out of Eurovision. Europe won’t miss you!
Yes. I condemn Europeans for a lot of unbelievably bad things through history. And I choose to do what I can to be a good person today and help raise awareness for the injustice that is still present in today’s society, helping to build a better, more understanding and connected world. But I myself was not a n*zi, a colonialist or did anything you mentioned above. Those people you speak of are in the ground. So stop justifying more hate and d*ath today for what happened 80 years ago. I’d like to believe that mankind today is capable of so… Read more »
But you are justifying d*ath! You are the one telling me that the 7th of October was fine because we did this and that beforehand. You are justifying the worst horrors and radicalism that the world had ever witnessed. You are not a good person, you are rather dumb or horrible. The world will not become a better place as long as you trying to protect terrorism. There will be no possibility of peace as long as their organizations exist. How hard is it to you to understand that?
Apologise for Jihadist terror, why don’t you.
How about you look inwards, let me make it simple for you:
6,000,000 Jews were murdered by Europeans.
800,000 Jews driven out of Arab countries.
They formed one tiny Jewish state so the Jews can have a safe home.
There are 49 Muslim countries but they want 50. They NEVER agreed to share the land with the Jews, just as they did not agree to share a land with ANY other minority.
THIS is history.
No, they did not agree to share a land because there was no need to share a land. They were there long before Europe and US decided to locate Israel there. Maybe it was the Jews that should have shared the country instead of occupying it? Imagine you live in a country and then someone comes along and say” nice but my ancestors lived here 2000 years ago so you must leave “. Would you be eager to share then?
Israel was mainly swampy lands and desert when Jews started to move back there so it was not unimaginable to create 2 countries for both nations in there. But Arabs decided to start a war over it and lost. Learn some history seriously, Im tired of your stupidity. We will have a chunk of your country instead if you feel like Israel should move. It must have a nice coastline though.
HMM… so let me confuse you a bit with some historic facts. Jews have been living in the land before the Arabs, way before Islam, and CONSISTENTLY until today. Arabs were NEVER there alone. There was NEVER a Palestinian state. Israel did NOT occupy a country. The term “Palestinian” started being used by Arabs only in the 60’s, for political reasons. Many “Palestinians” were Arabs who immigrated to the land for work from other Arab countries in the mid 40’s just before Israel was established in 48, because of development created by Jews. Most of the land was barren before.… Read more »
well explained!
I agree with Denis. Western countries can’t barch in and tell people that ”now this land belongs to these people”.
Regarding the 6 million, yes, that is unexcusable, one of the biggest if not the biggest tragedy in recent history.
What it’s not though is a free monopoly ”get out of jail” card for what you are doing.
Exactly be interesting to see if there still be the same virtue signalling and ban Finland or any of the Nordic’s… if there wasn’t it would prove double standards and anti semitism
Sites de lieux Anglais français Photo Écouter Français arabe Images Spanish Anglais arabe Application Arabe Telecharger Même Tous les filtres Français Anglais la guerre entre Israël et Palestine se déroule depuis des années et c’est seulement maintenant qu’ils veulent potentiellement se retirer ? Ça me fait doucement rigoler car ça fait depuis des décennies que ça dure, pourquoi ils ne se sont pas retiré à chaque fois qu’Israel était au concours alors ? Donc les gens qui disent “l’Eurovision 2024 ça va être de la folie” retirez vos phrases malheureusement… the war between Israel and Palestine has been going on… Read more »
If the ESC was just a contest for musicians and songwriters, then everyone eligible should be able to take part. But, the reality is that broadcasters manage participation. In some cases, the broadcasters are state-run broadcasters. If the state is “up to no good, sometimes the broadcaster might be too (but not always). Belarus was perhaps the most obvious example of state-provided interference with the music. I think what needs to be discussed is two things: 1. The security of the 2024 event itself, and 2. How is Kan’s participation affected (if at all) by its state’s actions.
We love Finland and Iceland. Love you!!
The North remembers!
I’m also from a northern country. Anything but proud of that in this case…..
Come on…..That was irony I hope?
You either take part or you don’t! It is not difficult to make a clear decision on what position you are in l, considering they feel so strongly about it. So tried of this half ass threat.
Bye Bye Finland, won’t be missing you
So, you are the new Bejba?
Who is this ‘we’?
I applaud this move. I’d like to see more broadcasters undertake this approach.
applauding antisemitism isn’t a good look though
Applauding the massacre of civilians on both sides isn’t either!
The word you’re thinking of is antizionism, not antisemitism. Different meanings.
The ‘move’ would be to just withdraw… When they start with this crap: we might think of a possible withdrawal if…we all know It means nothing Will change and they say It to have people Happy and quiet ( the latter preferably).
Indeed, it’s very woke of them to talk about Israel. I guess they were conveniently asleep when the war Azerbaijan started was causing Armenia to withdraw from Eurovision in 2021.
I doubt Iceland and Finland suooorted then either. Norway on the other hand…
Their silence spoke a thousand words. It’s easy to join a bandwagon and condemn something heavily publicized. Pure performative activism that will end up in nothing in concrete, but they can always claim that they saved their face with an Instagram post.
I don’t believe they wil actually withdraw. Especially Sweden, but also the other Nordics as ESC is in Sweden. Also they all said the same thing in 2019 when Israel hosted Eurovision and after all, nothing happened.
Stuff happened, you just didn’t see it. Changes were made, like the host city.
Jerusalem has been hosting the contest twice before and THOSE COUNTRIES participated in it back then. Jerusalem issues in 1999 were the same as 2019 so the change of the city was made purely due to the Shabat problem. Which is an issue that has nothing to do with any of the international broadcasters.
However, Sweden is known for having a strong pro Palestine mindset, I would not be surprised if somehow they manage to convince Israel it’s best to not participate next year. There will be protests on the streets in Sweden for sure if Israel participates. I don’t think it would be fair for whoever will represent Israel to have to receive all that hate.
As a Finnish guy YLE is leftist and doesn’t represent us at all. Nobody here wants us to withdraw over this except a loud minority.
I’m not a leftist but I applaud this response.
Well if they withdraw it makes them look like Anti seminites and pro Hamas sympathises
The headlines makes it look more dramatic.
I interpret it as they will have discussion but as of now they will still compete. I doubt any of the Nordic countries will not appear. Sweden is hosting so obviously Sweden will be there. And with it being in Malmö Denmark will probably take part too.
If they are gonna appear, why make such a statement? So unnecessary if that’s the case.
To calm those concerned? I don’t know?
Israel uses Eurovision to whitewash their gen0cidal regime. Time to ban them!
they have the rights to defend themselves though, they aren’t same evil as russia
True, Russia is BETTER than them!
Israel and Russia are both terror states, they both commit war crimes and genoc1des. They’re as bad as each other.
At this point u and other sites are using israel for traffic and its annoying.
There is no chance finland will withdraw.
They’re loving milking the situation… probably want to see them withdraw. We didn’t ban the UK when they went after the IRA in Ireland did we… Of course innocent civilians will tragically and unfortunately get killed unintentionally in war. Like the UK went after a terrorist organisation, Israel are doing the same with Hamas, a homophonic, misogynistic Islamic extremist terrorist mafia that are in the same category as the likes of Al queda and Isis.
If you don’t like it, then leave!
Makes me fell sick that there’s even a possibility it could be held in Israel next year
Get war criminals away from Eurovision don’t give them a stage I say
We kicked out Russia now it’s time to give Isreal the boot!
Add Azerbaijan to that list!
United by music indeed…..! Both should take part
I think it is better not to deal with politics in eurovision sites. This is an endless and it is better to refrain from it
We do not live in an alternative binary reality here. You might like to sweep Israel’s genocide under the carpet. The majority do not.
Yep! Totally agree
For the security of all the contestants…Israel should be far away from Malmo…
While I have nothing against Israel, I think it’d be the best for everyone, sadly 🙁
Why sadly?
stop antisemitism, if israel doesn’t participate, cancel this antisemitic contest then
i won’t miss Iceland, Ireland, Finland in Malmo
If you think they’re all antisemitic I wouldn’t watch the contest!
Yeah, the Israeli delegation are walking targets and the other delegation members and artists are sitting ducks!
Much respect to Finland. I love you Finland. You will win very soon!
I definately respect them in ESC. But also very definnately NOT because of this! But because of their great entries
ESC doesn’t need the Nordic countries. ESC will still be grand without them.
Eurovision Malmö 2024 will literally take place in a Nordic country.
Literally the top three last year lol