Even though the largest singing competition in the world now has the fixed motto “United By Music”, noticeable rifts are opening up in the city’s society – Israel is also part of the field of participants this year and will enter the competition in the second semi-final this evening.
Even before the ESC entourage actually arrived, there had been a meeting in Malmö demonstrations critical of Israel gin the sky.
Demonstration against Israel’s ESC participation
And there was also a demonstration on Thursday, the day of the second semi-final of the ESC. The demonstrators marched through the city center of Malmö – they protested against Israel’s participation in the ESC. They criticize the “double standards” of the ESC organizers, who excluded Russia from the competition two years ago, but are now allowing Israel to take part.
The demonstration was organized by “Stoppa Israel”, a coalition of several associations. Many thousands of people were present, including the “Fridays for Future” icon Greta Thunberg with Palestinian cloth.
Demonstration in front of the ESC hall
Shortly before 8 p.m., a demonstration finally took place in front of the ESC hall in the Malmö Arena – the police were present in large numbers.
The participation of Israel’s ESC candidate Eden Golan, who performs her song “Hurricane”, will probably not prevent the protests. However, it cannot be ruled out that there will be protests during their performance.
Even before the start of the ESC, not only the usual advertising banners for the mega event could be seen in Malmö, but also briefly protest posters with a similar design. The word “Eurovision” was replaced by “Genocide” and the slogan proclaimed “Israel out of Eurovision or Eurovision out of Malmo” (“Israel out of the ESC or the ESC out of Malmö”).
Malmö will be “the focal point of Europe”
Numerous actions and demonstrations have been registered throughout the week and protests are also scheduled to take place in Dagvattenparken, opposite the Malmö Arena, these days. The “Ship to Gaza”a ship with which organizers actually want to break the Gaza blockade, is now anchored in the port of Malmö and is offering events in support of the protests.
Protests also expected on Saturday – police prepared
On the final day, next Saturday, both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrations have been announced in the city center, with thousands of participants expected. And at the same time, “Stoppa Israel” has scheduled a “genocide-free song contest” under the title “FalastinVision,” which will be held parallel to the ESC finale.
The police, who are visibly positioned throughout the city, are appropriately equipped and have Reinforcements from Denmark and Norway requested. The hall itself is even secured with snipers positioned on the surrounding roofs. “We are prepared for anything,” said Malmö police chief Petra Stenkula confidently to the Reuters agency.