Eurovision act breaks strict rules and is reprimanded by organizers after wearing pro-Palestinian symbol in protest against Israel

Eurovision organizers last night reprimanded one of the opening acts of Eurovision 2024 for wearing a keffiyeh during the first semi-final.

Swedish singer Eric Saade, one of three former competitors who opened the competition in Malmö, tied the scarf – which has become a symbol of support for Palestine amid the conflict in the Middle East – around his wrist.

Saade, of Palestinian descent, came third for Sweden at the 56th Eurovision Song Contest in 2011 and has repeatedly expressed his opposition to Israel’s involvement this time.

A spokesperson for the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the event, said: ‘The Eurovision Song Contest is a live TV programme.

“All artists are informed of the rules of the competition, and we regret that Eric Saade has chosen to compromise the non-political nature of the event.”

Saade was joined by fellow Eurovision alumni Eleni Foureira, who came second for Cyprus in 2018, and Chanel, who came third for Spain in 2022, as he appeared with the keffiyeh clearly visible wrapped around his wrist.

It is not the only difficulty that the event has faced regarding the conflict in Gaza since the choice to include Israel in the competition as usual.

British representative Olly Alexander was one of nine participants who signed a statement in March saying: ‘In light of the current situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, and especially in Gaza, and in Israel, we do not feel comfortable to remain silent.

“It is important for us to stand in solidarity with the oppressed and convey our sincere wish for peace, an immediate lasting ceasefire and the safe return of all hostages. We stand united against all forms of hatred, including anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.

‘We strongly believe in the unifying power of music, which empowers people to transcend differences and foster meaningful conversations and connections.

“We feel it is our duty to create and preserve this space, with the strong hope that it will inspire greater compassion and empathy.”

The Years & Years star came under scrutiny when a group of 450 queer artists, individuals and organizations signed an open letter asking the singer to withdraw from the fight over Israel’s war with Gaza.

In an individual statement, he wrote: “I wholeheartedly support the action being taken to ensure an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the return of all hostages and the safety and security of all civilians in Palestine and Israel to demand.

“I know that some people will choose to boycott this year’s Eurovision Song Contest and I understand and respect their decision.

‘As a participant, I have taken a lot of time to think about what I am going to do and what options I have. It is my current belief that removing myself from the competition would not bring us any closer to our shared goal.”

“I hope and pray that our calls are answered and that the atrocities we see taking place in Gaza come to an end.

“I would like to thank the many signatories of this letter, whose work I deeply admire and respect, and I hope we can continue to work together to create a better world for us all.”

Last year the BBC faced calls to drop Alexander as their Eurovision entry after it emerged he had signed a letter calling Israel an ‘apartheid regime’.

The statement, which was published on October 20, almost two weeks after Hamas’ attack on October 7, also says that Israel has “terrorized” the Palestinian people and that a “genocide” is now taking place “in real time.”

The BBC has no plans to take any action as the singer signed the letter weeks before he was unveiled as Britain’s Eurovision act, the Telegraph reported.

So the It’s A Sin actor is all set to represent Great Britain in Saturday’s final and has promised to ‘raise the flag for Great Britain in the most cheerful way possible’.

Although British entries automatically get a place in the final, Alexander performed his song Dizzy in the first semi-final, with fans divided over whether the 33-year-old had what it took to take home the trophy after the final . May 11 showpiece.

While half seemed to love the song and raved about the expressive staging, others noted that Alexander’s vocals seemed somewhat shaky.

Whether he will be joined by the Israeli participant in the Malmö final will be determined tomorrow in the second semi-final.

Israel has faced multiple threats of disqualification from this year’s Eurovision Song Contest after two proposed songs were reportedly rejected due to their ‘political nature’.

One song reportedly refers to the victims of Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7.

Ultimately, Israel submitted a new song, titled Hurricane, but it reportedly retained some of the lyrics from its predecessor, and it will be performed by Eden Golan.

Due to security fears, the Israeli competitor has reportedly been told to stay in her hotel room in Malmö before competing in the second semi-final on Thursday.

Demonstrations calling for the exclusion of Israel are expected to be held around the performance in the Swedish city.

Already through to Saturday’s final – where only flags of the competing countries are allowed in the audience – from Tuesday are: Croatia, Cyprus, Finland, Ireland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia and Ukraine.

They will be the biggest financial contributors to the competition, alongside whoever succeeds on Thursday and the ‘Big Five’ (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Great Britain) who do not have to progress through a semi-final, as well as the winners of last year. and this year’s hosts – Sweden.