VIENNA – The Eurovision Song Contest launched Tuesday evening in Vienna under a cloud of political tension, as Israel’s participation sparked boycotts from five nations over the ongoing Gaza conflict.
What has traditionally served as a lighthearted celebration of pop music and theatrical performances for seven decades now finds itself at the center of international controversy stemming from Israel’s military campaign in Gaza following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
Public broadcasting networks from Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia have withdrawn from this year’s competition, reducing participation to just 35 entries – the fewest since 2003. The boycotts are also expected to significantly decrease viewership from last year’s 166 million viewers, which exceeded the Super Bowl’s 128 million audience.
Demonstrators numbering approximately 500 gathered for the first planned protest Tuesday afternoon, with tension clearly visible throughout the Austrian capital ahead of the 9 p.m. semi-final broadcast.
Vienna’s Social Democratic Mayor Michael Ludwig responded forcefully to earlier pro-Palestinian demonstrations, declaring: “We won’t let ourselves be terrorised into silence.” His comments came after protesters disrupted a concert where he was speaking by blowing whistles.
“Unfortunately we will need large security measures because of people like you, for example. That will incur great expense, but we will nevertheless hold a festival of togetherness, I can promise you that,” Ludwig stated.
Shoura Hashemi, co-director of Amnesty International Austria, criticized Ludwig’s response on social media, calling his remarks toward peaceful demonstrators “unbearable, false, divisive” and demanding an apology.
Austrian government officials have shown strong support for Israel, while pro-Palestinian demonstrations remain relatively small. Additional protests are scheduled throughout the week, with organizers expecting up to 3,000 participants total.
Law enforcement officials warn that unplanned demonstrations could emerge, particularly during Saturday’s finale. However, cold weather with rain and temperatures staying below 64 degrees Fahrenheit may limit crowd sizes.
Irish broadcaster RTE referenced their December statement calling participation “unconscionable” when explaining their absence from the competition.
The conflict began when at least 1,200 people, primarily civilians, were killed during the October 7 Hamas attack. Israel’s subsequent military response has resulted in more than 72,000 Palestinian deaths, mostly civilians, while devastating much of Gaza.
Last year’s Israeli representative was Yuval Raphael, who survived the October attack and finished second thanks to strong public voting support.
This year’s Israeli contestant, Noam Bettam, carries no apparent political messaging but received an official warning Saturday for posting videos encouraging viewers to vote for him the maximum 10 times permitted.
Contest Director Martin Green expressed hope that boycotting nations would eventually return to the competition.
“They are members of our family, right? We miss them,” Green told reporters, adding: “We remain in dialogue to see if we can find pathways for them back.”
