Eurovision 2026: Massive Attack and over 1,000 artists call for boycott over Israel's participation

A significant cultural boycott is brewing against the Eurovision Song Contest, with over a thousand artists demanding Israel's exclusion. Spearheaded by movements like 'No Music for Genocide,' this protest highlights the deep divisions and ethical debates surrounding Israel's participation in international cultural events amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The signatories, including globally recognized names, argue that allowing Israel to participate, particularly with its public broadcaster KAN, would serve to 'whitewash and normalize' the situation in Palestine. This stance reflects a growing global sentiment among artists and activists to use cultural platforms to voice political dissent and condemn actions perceived as violations of human rights. Le Figaro notes that this boycott, involving artists from various backgrounds and nationalities, poses a substantial challenge to the Eurovision organizers and raises critical questions about the intersection of art, politics, and international relations. The withdrawal of several national broadcasters further amplifies the pressure on the European Broadcasting Union to address these concerns, marking a potentially historic moment for the contest.

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As musicians and cultural workers, many of whom live in the area covered by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), we refuse to let Eurovision be used to whitewash and normalize the genocide, siege, and brutal military occupation of Palestinians by Israel.