“Boycott Eurovision” a person shouts right into a microphone, “disgrace on Eurovision”.
For a music contest striving to keep away from politics, Eurovision 2024 is proving difficult.
1000’s of pro-Palestinian protestors gathered in Malmo in the present day to show in opposition to Israel’s inclusion within the contest because the struggle in Gaza rages on.
Learn extra: Everything you need to know about this year’s show
Tonight, Israeli entrant Eden Golan will discover out if she’s by way of to the ultimate.
A call to permit Israel to take part has been contentious, prompting some to boo throughout Golan’s costume rehearsal.
The outcry follows months of demonstrations and requires a boycott.
Among the many crowd in the present day a gaggle carries an indication studying “homicide on the dance ground”.
“I’ve come as a result of I need to kick out Israel from Eurovision,” one girl tells me.
Demonstrators are calling for a boycott of the competition
“Some individuals would argue that you just should not combine politics and music, however I really feel that may be a very slender view of the world as a result of ultimately it’s all about politics, it’s all about momentum,” provides Hussein who says he is right here as a result of he has Palestinian roots.
Golan says she needs to unite individuals with music however the ongoing protests add to the tensions surrounding the competition.
Israel’s Eden Golan performs her music Hurricane. Pic: Sarah Louise Bennett/EBU
Police aren’t taking any possibilities
Safety within the metropolis is tight.
This yr’s music contest has prompted one of many greatest police operations ever in Sweden.
Towards the backdrop of two wars and the latest Moscow terror assault, they aren’t taking any possibilities.
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Eurovision followers on Israel
“We’re conscious that Sweden as a rustic is at a 4 on a five-point terror-threat scale and we clearly have that with us in our planning,” Jimmy Modin, a spokesperson for Swedish police, mentioned.
“We may have quite a lot of law enforcement officials from throughout Sweden but in addition from Norway and Denmark, who will work with us throughout this week and we may also be flying with our drones.”
Regardless of the safety presence, some listed below are nervous.
Learn extra:
Eurovision fans arrive in Sweden
Ireland reaches Eurovision final for first time since 2018
Eurovision facing controversy
Pic: TT Information Company/Johan Nilsson
Fredrik Sieradzki, a spokesperson for Malmo’s Jewish group says antisemitism has been rising since 7 October.
Some concern Jews will probably be focused throughout the contest.
“Folks assume that one thing will occur and [some] are getting away from Malmo. Some are very afraid and they won’t exit. They will not be on the venues the place there will probably be celebrations and for positive not the place there’s a massive demonstration,” Mr Sieradzki says.
Police are hoping their sheer numbers on the streets will supply reassurance.
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And the tensions haven’t destroyed the Eurovision spirit.
Many right here nonetheless solely have music on their minds.