“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.
Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protestors gathered in Malmo right this moment to show towards Israel’s inclusion within the contest because the battle in Gaza rages on.
Learn extra: Every part it’s essential to find out about this yr’s present
Tonight, Israeli entrant Eden Golan will discover out if she’s via to the ultimate.
A choice to permit Israel to take part has been contentious, prompting some to boo throughout Golan’s costume rehearsal.
Pic: AP
The outcry follows months of demonstrations and requires a boycott.
Among the many crowd right this moment a bunch carries an indication studying “homicide on the dance ground”.
“I’ve come as a result of I wish 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 simply should not combine politics and music, however I really feel that may be a very slender view of the world as a result of in the long run 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 desires 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 largest police operations ever in Sweden.
Towards the backdrop of two wars and the latest Moscow terror assault, they don’t seem to be 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 can have quite a lot of cops from throughout Sweden but in addition from Norway and Denmark, who will work with us throughout this week and we will even be flying with our drones.”
Regardless of the safety presence, some listed below are nervous.
Learn extra:
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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 can be focused throughout the contest.
“Folks suppose 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 can be celebrations and for certain not the place there’s a massive demonstration,” Mr Sieradzki says.
Police are hoping their sheer numbers on the streets will provide reassurance.
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And the tensions haven’t destroyed the Eurovision spirit.
Many right here nonetheless solely have music on their minds.
