Over 70 Former Eurovision Contestants Sign Open Letter to Ban Israel and Kan Over Genocide Claims; Yuval Raphael Responds

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Updated May 7, 2025, 08:15 AM

More than 70 former Eurovision Song Contest participants have signed an open letter calling for the exclusion of Israel and its national broadcaster Kan from the 2025 Eurovision contest, which is scheduled to take place next week. The group accuses Kan of complicity in what they describe as genocide in Gaza and a prolonged regime of apartheid and military occupation against Palestinians. The letter emphasizes a refusal to allow music to be used to whitewash crimes against humanity. Among the signatories are former winners and contestants from various countries, including three former French participants. The call for Israel's ban comes amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, with some highlighting the contrast to Russia's ban in 2024. The Eurovision organizers have rejected these calls, and Israeli contestant Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the October 7, 2023 Nova Festival massacre, has publicly stated she is unfazed by the opposition to Israel's participation.

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#Eurovision Song Contest #Israel #Kan #Eurovision #Gaza #Palestinians #French #Russia #Israeli #Yuval Raphael #2023 Nova Festival massacre

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Sources

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The Director of the Eurovision Song Contest has said no participating European Broadcasting Union member has publicly opposed Israeli broadcaster Kan's participation in the event https://t.co/righuHFDPJ