Icelandic musicians, represented by the Association of Composers and Lyricists of Iceland (FTT), have called for a boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest unless Israel is excluded from the competition. This demand stems from the recent Israel-Gaza conflict, which has seen significant casualties and destruction.
The FTT’s stance mirrors similar actions taken in 2022 when several countries advocated for Russia’s exclusion from the contest following its invasion of Ukraine. The group emphasized the importance of taking a stand against war and the loss of civilian lives, particularly women and children.
The FTT highlighted the contradiction between the celebratory and optimistic nature of the Eurovision Song Contest and the participation of nations engaged in military conflicts. They argue that participating in such events alongside countries involved in military actions goes against the spirit of the contest.
The Eurovision Song Contest has often been a platform for political statements and controversies. In the 2023 contest, Israel placed third with Noa Kriel’s “Unicorn.” Kriel is a former soldier in the Israel Defence Forces. Meanwhile, Ukraine won the contest in the same year with the Kalush Orchestra, leading to the 2023 edition being hosted in Liverpool.
