An initiative posted this evening by the British newspaper The Guardian has seen dozens of Eurovision alumni join forces with respected artists and performers from Europe and beyond in supporting a boycott of Israel’s hosting.
The letter, published online and gaining traction with websites such as Yahoo, sees over a hundred signatories from various artistic backgrounds calling for broadcasters and artists to boycott the Israeli hosting of Eurovision 2019, in support of the plight of Palestinian artists.
The letter, which can be read in full HERE, features signatures from Eurovision and national final alumni, such as Kaija Kärkinen (Finland 1991), Kyösti Laihi (Finland 1988), Daði Freyr (Iceland national finalist, 2017), Mike Murphy (former Ireland commentator) and Charlie McGettigan (Ireland 1994 and Eurovision winner).
There are also signatures from other well-known figures, such as DAAN (Belgium), Karin Dreijer aka Fever Ray (Sweden), Wolf Alice, legendary producer Brian Eno and Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters (all United Kingdom).
The statement comes on the day that the EBU confirmed that talks are still ongoing with Israel with regards to the choice of host city, with both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv still in the running.
What do #YOU think of this news? Are these artists right to support a boycott or should Israel be allowed to continue their hosting? Share your thoughts with us on our forum HERE or join the discussion below and on social media!
