Genocide Song Contest

[@verilybitchie]

Contact your national broadcaster: docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vQULd4XJ4r5xD36AVrUAnNusouvUEP6aKu52b3wQc24v3kmBUL-GfH_woO1iJPK3Pft9O1KhNVoeAXG/pub If your country doesn’t participate in Eurovision, you can still reach out to SVT, the organiser of Eurovision 2024, to individual participants, and to the sponsors (all contacts included in the above link). EDIT: We didn't realise this when the video was published, but the Eurovision sponsor Morroccanoil is produced in Israel - a fact that their marketing seems to go out of its way to obscure. Nevertheless, we think its still worth putting pressure on the other sponsors.

[@ttthecat]

Right on! Thank you for helping empower us giving us what we need to act so we can do the right thing. And hopefully, wherever we can, lend our voices to push for protection of innocent civilians, stop the censorship of reporters and push for a true ceasefire, a permanent ceasefire. Thank you🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@technopoptart]

thankyou!

[@Jellyfish146]

I was like "where's the Canada one?" but then I remembered it's Eurovision

[@sup3rrr]

RTP's form simply does not work thats funny

[@sup3rrr]

i found the working one i dmed you on instagram with it

[@possum1093]

Children singing" we will annihilate them all" is the kinda of propaganda you would see in a dystopian movie as much as I try to stay positive but the world can be a cruel and evil place at times

[@IamCombustible]

starship troopers ah country

[@possum1093]

@@IamCombustible oh like the film?

[@squibble08]

as an israeli hearing that made me recoil (i hadnt heard it before)

[@chrispychicken9614]

It’s a lot like the German Youths of the 30s…

[@possum1093]

@@chrispychicken9614 yes its scary because when you think of propaganda this open you think of the Past so seeing it this open in the mordern Era is absolutely horrifying it makes you really about how we are still living in a time with genocide happening and control state governments

[@FloraAnneFauna]

something I've not seen many people talk about is how MoroccanOil, the company who sponsors Eurovision almost every year, is Israeli owned and most of its manufacturing comes out of Israel also

[@nuria-2387]

yes! people always forget this

[@ellem8990]

I guess it's a bit stupid, but because of the name I never even considered that it might be Israeli owned. That is worrying tho and I would assume that they would threaten to pull out, if EBU said they wouldn't allow Israel to join and therefore maybe putting EBU in a position where they feel they have to allow Israel to join. I don't know how much they get from each sponsor tho.

[@dickwintered]

It's probably why the sponsorship has changed.

[@MsPBJTime]

Wow, I had no idea

[@cmystery4180]

knowing the history of argan oil, it makes it so much worse

[@greensmite4135]

The Irish broadcaster RTE is incredibly sensitive to complaints. A few years ago an ad was taken down because it included a woman openly talking about her period and a bunch of people complained. Hopefully with enough complaints, RTE will join the boycott. Irish journalists have also been treated incredibly bad, even compared to most european journalists so I can see the RTE being more sympathetic than our government. Hopefully that's not just wishful thinking though. Also on the RTE website there's a set of rules that outline the grounds for making a complaint so if you can work some of those into your complaint it could force them to take it more seriously. Most of the rules are about causing harm and inciting violence or hatred against groups of people which I genuinely think does apply to Israel's inclusion in the eurovision.

[@kcurran9913]

I disagree with your statement. That ad was a few years ago, probably before abortion was legal. We are more open to that sort of stuff now. There's literally a Eurovision special taking place tonight on The Late Late Show. They've been advertising it all week. I doubt they'll just suddenly cancel it.

[@valeriazaharia398]

RTÉ has been using very 'neutral' language in their reporting of the genocide so I actually don't trust them in this situation unfortunately. However we in Ireland have been doing a good job of protesting (despite the disgraceful Dáil vote to not stand against Israel in the courts) if enough people are made aware about sending the email template, it may work. I've been sending this video to friends and mentioning the picket to mutuals. The Irish government has been worse than useless to address this issue, so I hope pressure on rte will change things

[@echarts3710]

5:30 Same happened in football too. FIFA actually ordered Russia to play with neutral symbols and names; but Sweden, Poland and Czechia refused to play World Cup qualifiers with Russia; so FIFA banned Russia. What about Israel? They still continue to play Euro qualifiers.

[@torijeri]

“you’ve heard it’s a land of war and occupation, but we’re so much more than that” so you agree. you think it’s an occupation.

[@noone-os5pj]

War, occupation, plus apartheid and genocide. And then we tie it up with some LGBT, to make it look better

[@stanleystove]

​@@iamcheese4519it wouldn't be much of.a fuss if you didn't complain about yiur daughter being raped

[@torijeri]

@@iamcheese4519 yeah cus Invading someone else’s homeland and displacing millions of people who live there in order to take their land and claim it as your own was definitely NOT what started the occupation. /s

[@samihamoude6527]

​@@iamcheese4519so according to your view it's okay to see your land taken by some random people who came out from nowhere claiming that this land belongs to them and there is no need to defend our land? Are you talking serious right now bro?!

[@iamcheese4519]

@@samihamoude6527 there are extensive records that prove israel belongs to the jews

[@Problematist]

Eurovision has always been very political. The rule is only about international relations, so as not to upset any of the participating states.

[@TheGrifhinx]

But that's the irony of it, because what could be more political than international relations itself. Sure, a good many, but for sure that would be one among the bigger concerns.

[@peccantis]

Ah so ethnic cleansings and brutal destruction wars are okay for Eurovision as long you stay within your internationally recognised borders. COOL.

[@Natalia-ex8xi]

That “we have more than occupation, you’ll see the prices and say wow” song really hammered in the point people make when they go “there is no more black mirror because we live in black mirror”

[@alansmithee419]

I thought they were going to try to excuse but they didn't. They just went "we have more than that." Oh you have more than just genocide? Well that's alright then!

[@stonersiren]

the way the world is run irl was always way worse than black mirror lmao, black mirror was way more hopeful than this shit

[@alansmithee419]

@@eladoh5855 You're not making it better. Joking about it does not improve the message. Ultimately, while it was self-parody, it is an attempt to make light of it and imply it isn't that important.

[@st.altair4936]

​@@eladoh5855Only a sociopath would make "jokes" like this when their country is essentially Nazi Germany 2.0

[@aytenxo]

It's so messed up how can a sentence like that come out of your mouth and you don't even question for a second how that makes you look

[@ThisPunyHuman]

As much as I love Eurovision, I am not surprised by this at all. As an south american, there's always the unconfortable reality that the developed world couldn't care less what we think or do, and we would receive the same apathy if we were in a similar situation as Palestine. I will do my best to share my mind with sponsors and artists.

[@Lima_Lima_Lima]

"Developed world"

[@weird-guy]

It’s all politics and money it’s how the world is run its sad but is the reality, most people only care about themselves also most movements nowadays are infiltrated with people paid by lobby groups that in turn means the general public don’t support those groups even if they agree with protest either wars,housing crisis,environment ect

[@famemosterrrrr]

As a Eurovision fan I can tell u that Israel pays a lot of money to ebu so they keep them

[@mgg7756]

Why would you call yourself "south american"? Don't you live in a country with a name?

[@tonyagibbs1963]

Totally by design. I'm in the U.S. and education on our true actions and place in the world is hard to come by. The Internet has people really seeing behind the scenes, person to person.

[@mememefinally]

IF they didn't ban Russia and Belarus, I could buy their excuses...but don't ban SOME countries because of war crimes and then say you won't ban Israel because it's "unpolitical".

[@Bionickpunk]

They banned Yugoslavia before, so they only care about human rights when the country isnt funding their organization.

[@Noell05]

🤡

[@arnold9083]

They are even more evil than you immagine, they would totally let russia participate, but many countries threatened to drop out if they let russia, and even then it was russia who decided to withdraw and then they banned them after russia had already left. They have no morals.

[@snowyy.5275]

If you’re going to set a rule, apply it evenly. These double standards make it clear that Eurovision has its own political stance and is a propaganda tool

[@mememefinally]

@@randomperson-uj4bp LOL Hasbara has worked on you truly 😆

[@mk_oddity2841]

I hate to say this, but nothing in this world is apolitical.

[@PrincessAcornHair]

hmm - now that I think abt. I think that's true

[@cantinadudes]

Well yea but what people mean when they say "apolitical" is a place or topic or whatever where people can come together regardless of political view and where active politics arent a thing. And also unserious politics are often described as 'apoliticial', like for example food. People debate food all the time, yet nobody would really say that they're politically active just cause they have a strong opinion about pizza or something

[@TheGrifhinx]

@@cantinadudes for food as in food preferences, sure. Elsewhere in the general topic that is food, however...

[@cantinadudes]

@@TheGrifhinx yea but i just mean in the context of preferences

[@kaiknlast]

Jesse Markin, one of the contestants in the Finnish selection, has already stated that he will not be participating in ESC if Israel is allowed to compete. i'm hoping the other contestants follow suit.

[@owendy274]

Sini Sabotage has said a similar sentiment, she said if she won she would take her participation in ESC into consideration due to Israel's participation

[@ellem8990]

I don't expect MG and Nublu to do that, especially when their message is the most dumb centrist liberal take lol, but I guess it's better to hope. I'm personally going to vote for Jesse Markin (I actually like the song). I'm also going to go to the final rehearsal before the live show and I hadn't thought about it much, but now after this video I'm wondering if anyone going to the rehearsal or the live show will be protesting (since apparently Norwegians have been protesting during the shows). I don't know if I should be doing anything myself.

[@irene6119]

​@@ellem8990I'm going to the UMK main event, and considering wearing the Palestinian flag, if possible

[@ellem8990]

@@irene6119 Good to know, for me the worry is being the only one doing something like that. I'm not that bold, but I don't know if it's too cowardly to just take something with me that I can whip out in the case, that there are others. I mean my mom (she's coming with me) might be on board since she supports palestine, but even with just two people I would feel weird potentially being the only ones. I already get anxiety just from some people looking at me while I'm walking on a street.

[@paikio]

​@@ellem8990 There's gonna be a protest in Sorin aukio from 16.30-18.30 on the day of the final if you're interested

[@christianj5950]

It's worth letting SVT (Sweden's broadcaster, the host) know that next to being immoral, this will absolutely disrupt the "fun" of the contest in May too. There will be boos, hissing, protestors both inside and outside the building, possibly stage invaders. How do they THINK the Israeli delegation will be greeted? With hugs and kisses? It will quite possibly be the rowdiest, least happy crowd and audience they have ever faced, and its very possible it'll get so bad as to completely distract from the contest itself. Is that really worth it? Is it really worth ruining the contest JUST to include Israel? It's so easy to avoid, the fix is so easy and painless. The contest will be happy and uniting again, like they want, as long as they ban Israel.

[@willardprenfrew4303]

YEP. At the very least it will be like the infamous booing of Russia in 2014 but way more intense.

[@esterelina]

I keep saying this! All EBU cares about is the show being good, so why aren't they more worried about this ruining the contest? There's also the risk of protests outside escalating and the Israeli delegation plus fans getting targeted. I really don't want to see that. Just like you said, banning Israel would be such a quick and easy fix. I can't comprehend why they want to keep good relations with the Israeli broadcaster so bad.

[@skin_bro]

​@@esterelina because they only care about the money, not lives and people's safety. Just look who is the main sponsor of the event - Israeli company.

[@mdstevens0612]

I mean... One would hope. Worst case scenario Isreal walks on stage and nothing out of the ordinary happens.

[@willewiking98]

it's also hosted in malmö, literally known as the most antisemetic city in sweden, sometimes rightfully, but also because they held the biggest pro palestine rallies. There is a huge muslim population there that is very much against israel

[@tomwatts703]

It's genuinely baffling to see so many people (and especially other queer people) continue to treat Eurovision as a benign non-political event in the face of what's been happening, I've contacted my national broadcaster and I hope this can make a difference.

[@katerrinah5442]

"why can't be put politics aside and just get along??????" Idk because children are being bombed?????

[@henazz2561]

Lol I'm glad I never watched Eurovision tbh even tho some of artists that have participated throughout the years are really talented. I agree w your comment though I'm not sure what u mean by "especially other queer people"?

[@whatthehelliot]

​@@henazz2561eurovision is v popular w queer people, and its baffling bc u would expect a marginalised group to stand in solidarity w other marginalised ppl. i think thats why they specified queer ppl

[@Markstubation01]

It’s because a lot queer people are self centred and have very little to no love for anyone outside of their small world view. Never forget that racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, sexism, fascism etc. all exist within the ‘LGBT+ Community’

[@yasijasi7391]

People really seem to have forgotten that music has HISTORICALLY always been linked to politics. (Obviously some music more than others, but Eurovision is literally a competition about countries representing themselves). It's wild to see how much people try to deny it 😭

[@elezetaefe]

Some friends have reminded me: if you are going to use the template given to send an email, change a few words in order for it to not be marked as spam! If the broadcaster is recieving lots of identical emails it will be marked as spam and they won't notice them, be careful!

[@cc.amadeo]

Ive lived under israeli occupation most of my life and i just wanted to say THANK YOU. seeing people finally being vocal and actively fighting for Palestinians makes me want to cry. Thanks verity. ❤

[@Emma-Maze]

Thank you for being vocal about it too, take care friend, be safe 💛😟

[@floopyboo]

Big hugs. Know that your supporters are not loud in the media, but we are numerous. From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!

[@cuicaist]

חחחח כמה התקרבנות

[@cc.amadeo]

@@cuicaist ?

[@dianaratner]

Could you tell your story of the life under occupation?

[@starrrsoup]

While im not from Palestine, i am from Syria. We weren’t occupied by anyone per-say, but i saw my country fall with my own eyes, i fled Syria when i was a child, i saw how little people cared for us then, and how little we are cared for now. Our tragedies are different, but both are still ongoing, and it breaks my heart to see what is happening in Palestine. So thank you for this video, i hope soon enough people will see the collective injustices (even if its a very light word for it) that have occurred, and are occurring not just in Palestine, but in most of the Arab world

[@TigerPrawn_]

American Imperialism knows no bounds.

[@Ches19.]

israel has occupied and bombed Lebanon. our economy decimated and our infrastructure and environment allowed to come to ruin because of western, american, and israeli imperialism. and the world never cared for us either. I understand. I hope we see better days for our countries in our lifetimes, and, as always, a free Palestine

[@eden3685]

Your comment just shows how ignorant you are. Some samples from last 20 years: Nigeria vs Boko Haram 350,000 dead Sudan vs JEM/Darfur 300,000 dead Yemen vs Houthis 233,000 dead Pakistan vs Islamists 50,000 dead Syria's civil war 400,000 dead South Sudan's civil war 400,000 dead Ethiopia and Eritrea vs Tigray 600,000 dead Do you remember protests for all these dead? Me, neither. It is not about people or land in Gaza Palestinian supporters always claim they care so much about Palestinian children but remained silent when Assad killed 70,000 of them in Syria, or when Jordan and Egypt killed 50,000 of them, or when Hamas kills 10,000 of their own children every year. Or when the Lebanon government killed 40,000 Palestinian children in a 2 year period. Where were all the cries for justice then? Where were all the marches then? Are u gonna stand up for these victims and hold Assad, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Hamas, Lebanon accountable for their crimes, or just blame it all on Israel?

[@eden3685]

@Ches19

[@Ches19.]

@@jansatamme6521 oh wow your contribution was so valuable, you’re so right, my bad, all our fault, israel is an uwu smol bean country who never did anything wrong, are always right, and are always the victim, so silly of me! thanks!

[@SketchyHippopotamus]

Notice that Verily has an analysis of which targets have the most power and that we have the most leverage with. This is an excellent example of a strategic mindset, something which is critical for organizing against power

[@alibushell6762]

Made a complaint to the BBC, got a response back saying that Eurovision isn't a political event and is about friendship, tolerance and inclusion. I wrote back saying that if that's the case then why was Russia excluded when it invaded Ukraine?

[@ernie39]

obviously their response is less of a genuine argument and more of a deflection, but what kind of definition are they operating off of to view continual and deliberate violence and atrocity as "friendship" ?! (answer: the capitalist and imperialist definition)

[@spicerow]

Ukraine didn’t massacre russians for it to happen

[@petra1995]

​@@spicerowNeither did the civilian population of Gaza. Living in the same territory as a violent militia doesn't make you deserve death.

[@spicerow]

@@petra1995 Exactly but when hamas chose to massacre and torture CIVILIANS its not their fault too Anyways its a war + hamas are their leaders they should face consequences

[@Noell05]

hahahah

[@danhelidae]

the fact we had to emphasize on "CHILDREN" and not people in general...

[@samiam2088]

As an Israeli, we need more international pressure to stop the current government.

[@erdood3235]

Why only Israel? All the western Europe countries, and Norway and Sweden, are guilty of western imperialism

[@starrr365]

I mean sure but do you just want regime change or do you want system change? Getting rid of Netanyahu won't end the occupation

[@RFLCPTR]

Ah yes, because all of this started with Netanyahu. F*cking hell

[@natbatrat-d7e]

@@starrr365young israeli people are going to jail for refusing to join the military. yes, system change is necessary as soon as possible, but it needs to start somewhere. and if innocent people are getting arrested for simply saying ‘no’, how much change can you actually do inside the current government?

[@samiam2088]

@@starrr365 I want the occupation to end, but given how repressive society has become *inside* Israel, over the past 10 years, the government absolutely ignores the will of the people and cracks down on peace activists.

[@christianj5950]

So I’m only speaking for my experience as a Norwegian here, but I can tell you that trying to contact Nrk about this has been a brick wall. We’ve had one artist announcement event and two semi finals, and in all three cases, there has been protest, the first two events even had stage invaders. The statements from HoD Stig Karlsen and host Fredrik Solvang have been equally frustrating, making a big deal about neutrality after protesting Russia and Mgp last year had a whole dedicated segment to support Ukraine. To add insult to injury, Nrk made a little two minute “explainer” video about why Russia is excluded but not Israel, where they laid the blame solely on the EBU and glossed over how the EBU only banned Russia because of broadcasters like Nrk, handily avoiding the question of why THEY don’t speak up this time. There’s also been the awful, unjustifiable comment from Stig Karlsen that “the artists have worked so hard for this and we can’t ruin this for them.” Dude. There are more important things in the world. Than whether you get to perform on a stage or not. Like come on. You were a frontline protester for Russia to be excluded, and the Norwegian media generally has only ever treated Russia like a scary foreign threat, there has NEVER been “neutrality” in their coverage. But Israel killing more people than Russia ever did, after doing a successful occupation that Russia could only dream of, that’s fine. It’s just Palestinians.

[@kittling5427]

Protesters are always told / given the impression that thier protest is pointless and nobody's paying attention. Behind the scene that is almost *never* a reflection of reality - every voice matters and is having much more of an impact than they will admit (until years later).

[@rkivelover]

Basically Israel is paying off everyone

[@tania2284]

“Israel killing more people than russia ever did”???? Are you sure???? On what f evidence or data are you claiming to?

[@tania2284]

Do you even know the number of victims and the size of occupied Ukrainian territory at the moment???? It is f huge, and the number of war crimes committed by russia can’t be even counted, bc still huge amounts of people are still living with the killers on their land!

[@IvanBraginX]

​@@tania2284 well guess what, that exact argument applies to palestine as well (I'm ukranian btw)

[@jonstundralife5897]

Favorite part is 1:17. They admit Israel "it's a land of war and occupation...but we have so much more than that". When she says the second part I perked up figuring they were going to tell us about more atrocities they're committing.

[@mayabakke]

@@triola3983do you live in an alternate universe? because this sentence you just typed is the furthest thing from the truth i have ever read and that's the only explanation i can think of genuinely, please seek out other information channels than the ones you are currently consuming. they are not telling the truth. and if they are, it wont hurt to look for information elsewhere too, no?

[@jonstundralife5897]

@@triola3983 They admitted their occupation in a propaganda video. Cry harder

[@Firefly763]

@@jonstundralife5897 It is a parody !!! Such a good sense of humour of this Israeli clip. And people who are against Israel don't get and don't want to get is.

[@SevenSeize93]

"i think the ebu is about to run into some fucking disrepute" damn you weren't kidding

[@michelegiuli8620]

Guys, just a quick reminder that faxes are more annoying to receive and less easy to ignore than emails, and that there are many online services that allow to send a limited number for free. Let's try with them too!

[@asyalengdon9822]

As a Ukrainian, I feel how unfair and hypocritical it is to tolerate Israel on Eurovision. “Eurovision is not political” is utter bullshit, and like every single show, they care more about “which stance would bring us more money”. That’s exactly why russia was kicked out: because they weren’t only our opressors. Other European countries share our experience of their imperialism and cruelty, and it was exclusively thanks to them that Eurovision decided ”nah, it would be more profitable to just kick russia out.” (We are deeply grateful to the countries and participants that stood with us, you are the coolest). The fact that they are totally okay with genocide in Gaza only proves that. Therefore, showing that supporting THIS genocide wouldn’t be profitable for them either is the best way to go. Thank you for the video.

[@GianniDN]

🙏 thank you because many Ukrainians are supporting Israel and it feels so wrong on every level.

[@weatheredwizardwitch]

YEA exactly !! fellow ukrainian here, слава Україні)) it's incredibly cruel of EBU to be the capitalist pigs that they're being, but since when did humanity matter more than money ? (i may be very salty)

[@SorarikoMotone]

which is something my father, who is ukrainian living in russia, utterly cant understand. like no, just because Israel is backed by murica, doesnt mean what Israel is doing isnt genocide....

[@weatheredwizardwitch]

my parents, who are both ukrainians- my mother is even heavily anti-russian!- also refuse to understand. they keep bringing up 'terrorists' and how it makes sense israel retaliated, and like, sure, whatever, but the existence and crimes of hamas don't excuse a Literal Genocide. my dad is in general quite,, he has interesting believes, he is basically a nihilist fascist but he's also gay and Semi progressive, so he naturally refuses to care even a little and tried to say 'well jerusalem belonged to jews once so like whatever oh and also israel is more progressive so ofc they're better' and i just- i want to rip and tear tbh WHEEZE

[@asyalengdon9822]

@@weatheredwizardwitchГероям слава🇺🇦❤️ some Eurovision sponsors are from Israel, and that plays significant role here. OP did the right thing by calling EBU out and motivating people to write to their channels. If they care about profits so much, people have to make sure they won’t have profits by supporting genocide.

[@j.arnalds8515]

In Iceland, dozens of artists have signed calls for withdrawal from the ESC. This morning, a news story dropped that Bashar Murad, a Palestinian musician and friend of our previous contestants Hatari, will most likely be competing in the national ESC selection contest. If RÚV doesn't withdraw and those rumours turn out to be true, I know who I'm voting for.

[@ecenbt]

I would actually love for this to happen, we know Iceland's stance on supporting Palestine, I think protesting the competition is a good idea, but giving your platform to a Palestinian artist can really do so much more to disrupt the phony "apolitical world" of eurovision

[@nithurlut]

😳 I mean... Will it be safe for Bashar though? History knows how politics influence supposedly apolitical events. And it knows it exactly on the example of Israeli-Palestinian relationships. Check the Olympics 1972 in Munich.

[@Zectifin]

They did an awesome song together and the music video had them waving the Palestinian flag

[@doktorhabilitowanystanczyk]

Hatari are a bunch of hypocrites, instead of boycotting ESC 2019 held in Tel Aviv in Israeli-occupied Palestine, they went there to perform a sad song to stop Israeli occupation of Palestine.

[@emdove]

​@@doktorhabilitowanystanczyk At the time, I didn't see many people talking about Palestine, at least I didn't hear anything about it. I didn't know anything about it. Hatari going to the contest, performing a song that in hindsight was definitely about Israel, and holding up Palestinian flags, getting banned from the premises, did more than them dropping out, imo. More people saw, and I hope that a good portion of them read up on the topic. Like, if they dropped out, it would've mostly reached the Eurovision fans who watch the news before the contest (and apparently Hatari did speak about the issue beforehand). This way, there were millions of people watching. I understand where you are coming from, but I think both ways are valid approaches.

[@sannahsalameh4263]

THANK YOU As a Swede I'm so embarrassed of my country and their complicity in this genocide, including letting Israel continue competing in the ESC

[@kcurran9913]

Imperialists are obviously gonna comply with Israel.

[@OolongTea2000]

Agreed T_T.As a British citizen, its really upsetting to see us complicit once again; unsurprising ofc considering its *the UK* but its just ass. It feels like we just sit and watch, and even protests and letters does nothing to motivate our government to do the right thing for a change; and im pretty sure that goes for all western countries cus most have either kept their mouths shut or supported Israel. Like if Russia was banned from Eurovision, why isn't Israel? It doesn't make any sense.

[@paavohirn3728]

And Finland.. It's like an epidemic of sociopathic hypocrisy 🤔

[@paavohirn3728]

@@MrRabbit772 Hush now. Your can go back to sleep and let the adults talk about the real world. You can learn more when you grow up.

[@hellothere1656]

​@@MrRabbit772Oh look, a zionist genocide denier. How much longer are u gonna keep lying ?

[@marissalongo4483]

In the USA we can watch Eurovision through Peacock which is owned by NBC. Johnny Weir has been hosting it on Peacock. It might be worth reaching out to them if you're a fan from the USA.

[@y3llow.m3llow]

As a Moroccan, it's disheartening to witness the use of the name "Moroccan oil" by Israel to market their products. It's concerning that this strategy may mislead consumers about the true origin of the products, and I find it important to address such practices.

[@brankaarena]

It is terible!!!!

[@LaraCookie5]

Ikr!

[@insight827]

"We will annihilate everyone" if this was a cartoon villain's theme song, it would be derided as too on the nose.

[@PrincessAcornHair]

Oh - that song is called "the friendship song" btw

[@roenais]

also before people get sidetracked by geography: most broadcasters in the european broadcasting area are eligible for eurovision, including all countries surrounding the mediterranean and transcontniental outliers like armenia and azerbaijan etc. israel not being "in europe" should never be the point, its about the war crimes, propaganda and the hypocrisy.

[@connorcore7008]

And Israel is, at it's core, a European settler colony, in the same way Australia is.

[@sevenoxia7199]

@@connorcore7008As an Australian we are not the same as Israel and don't mention us in the same breath as them. Yes our country is fucked up, our governments suck and love making peoples lives miserable, but unlike a majority of Israelis, a majority of Australians don't support the actions of our government. Also we're not an apartheid state like Israel, which I definitely should've lead with that.

[@anginus3217]

​@@sevenoxia7199"majority" is quite fucked up word, if you ask me

[@yonatanbeer3475]

​@@sevenoxia7199you literally live in a settler colony, those in glass houses etc.

[@connorcore7008]

Oh yeah, @@sevenoxia7199 I absolutely agree. Settler colony is one thing; genocidal ethnostate is something on another level. We're bad, but we're not utterly shameful, vile, and wretched like Israel in 2024

[@Ikine557]

As an American Jew, I've been watching all of this in disbelief and heartbreak. Why won't anyone do something? (edit: anyone as in governments, not the average person) Why does my country still stand behind Israel? Where is the pressure for Israel to stop what it's doing? I'm glad there are some small things we can do like hopefully getting Israel out of Eurovision, but I feel so helpless. And I'm tired of people using the name of my religion to justify genocide, including some of the other Jews in my life.

[@jorge6207]

Because Hamas and radical Islamism is way more dangerous than Israel.

[@ramzikawa734]

As an Arab-American, I think the US support of Israel can mainly be explained by the fact that the American government hates Arab self-sovereignty. Israel acts as a continuous check on Lebanon, Syria, Egypt and Palestinians and as a long time partner in the region. Israel and its defense also acts as a casus belli for wars in the Middle East that America wants to do anyway. I don’t think the American government is super happy about how public and open this act in the ongoing genocide has been, but I also don’t think they particularly care. And Israel, like the most spoiled child of a rich parent, has been used to getting its way for so long with no consequences that they’re putting themselves and America in a very awkward place. There is cause for hope in all of this darkness, but we need to have the strength to keep yelling and screaming at the top of our lungs

[@leitmotif7268]

As a former indoctrinated Christian American, the reasoning my Baptist family and teachers gave me that America supports Israel because not only is it a US military installation and outpost in the Middle East but a significant portion of evangelical Christian Americans believe that Israel as a state has to exist and then be destroyed by god in the End Times after they’ve been raptured. It’s part political/military and part religious, though I’m sure there’s other justifications for the secular minded American too.

[@ashtree1917]

​@@ramzikawa734 This is solid analysis and I'm genuinely suprised more people didn't see this coming. This is only the latest chapter in an ongoing genocide that has been happening since 1948 ffs. I wish more americans could understand that the US doesn't make decisions based on morality. It's a colonial world power.

[@lorinctoth9402]

We saw before that government like South Africa in fact does something. And now they are preparing a case against the UK and the US for supporting the genocide. Mexico's and Chile's government is also requesting the international criminal court to investigate Israel's war crimes, and Indonesia is also planning to bring Israel before the ICJ again on new charges. Governments in fact act, they are just from the global south.

[@sileylav]

I'm a Eurovision fan, so thank you SO much for posting this. It's important to note that the EBU would not have banned Russia if all of the Nordic and Baltic countries plus the Netherlands didn't threaten to withdraw. If we pressure broadcasters, we CAN get them banned. The Finnish and Icelandic broadcasters are already threatening withdrawal. I'm Swedish, and Sweden is an incredibly pro-Palestinian nation, especially the host city, Malmö. Pressuring SVT will be ESSENTIAL. In addition, the majority of Eurovision fans are pro-Palestinian. We WANT Israel, as well as Azerbaijan, gone from the competition. We can't make Eurovision apolotical. It always has been political. But we can at least try and make it healthy. We can at least try and make it better.

[@venlaaperi]

Sorry to ruin this to you but the Finnish broadcaster is not doing shit. It's false news that they'd be threatening withdrawal, all we hear here is "we'll see what EBU decides" and "if the conflict gets worse, it MIGHT be good to THINK of banning Israel". I am so appalled by their inaction because Finland was among the first countries to demand banning Russia and threatening boycotting and now all we get is this bs.

[@mothlarvas5066]

sweden is pro-palestine? thats news to me (also swedish). it certainly isnt with this blue-brown government... i do know that a large portion of malmös population is immigrants though (1/3 according to google), of which i assume most are middle eastern, so i cant imagine there wont still be massive outrage in malmö especially.

[@cuicaist]

"Eurovision fans are pro-Palestinian" 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@TigerPrawn_]

@@mothlarvas5066 Sweden is actually quite an outlier in Europe in this regard - it recognises the state of Palestine, along with only 5 other EU countries.

[@TigerPrawn_]

@@mothlarvas5066 That statistic is wrong. It says 1/3 of Malmö have one or more parents who were not born in Sweden. That includes people from everywhere, not just the Middle East - not that there would be anything wrong with that either.

[@Tessq]

When explaining to my fellow American friends about Eurovision, I always say that Eurovision is about as political as the Olympics. They make a grand show of being "neutral" but every move is political. Thanks for these resources! I will be reaching out to who I can!

[@luisavelasquez5873]

My draft for Baileys: To whom it may concern, I am writing to you as a customer and a concerned individual regarding Baileys' sponsorship of the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest, specifically in relation to Israel's participation in the event. While I understand and appreciate Baileys' commitment to supporting cultural events such as the Eurovision Song Contest, I feel compelled to express my deep opposition to Israel's involvement in the competition. Israel's participation in Eurovision has been a subject of controversy and concern for many individuals around the world due to the ongoing genocide accusations at the ICJ. The Eurovision Song Contest, as a platform celebrating diversity and unity through music, has always been political and should reflect principles of inclusivity and respect for human rights. However, Israel's continued occupation of Palestinian territories and its policies that have resulted in the displacement and suffering of Palestinian people stand in stark contrast to these values. As a consumer, I believe it is important for companies - especially Irish companies like Baileys - to uphold ethical standards and consider the broader social and political implications of their sponsorships. By sponsoring an event that includes Israel's participation, Baileys risks being complicit in normalizing and legitimizing actions that are widely condemned by the international community. I urge Baileys to reconsider its sponsorship of the Eurovision Song Contest in light of the concerns raised about Israel's participation. As a company that prides itself on its commitment to social responsibility and inclusivity, Baileys has the opportunity to take a principled stand and align its actions with the values it espouses. I appreciate your attention to this matter and thank you for considering my perspective. Sincerely,

[@miss_jess]

absolutely brilliant, thank you

[@Noell05]

bs

[@assaf_jerry]

I'd love to ask my broadcaster to put pressure, but I live in... Israel I'm genuinely so sorry to any civilians in gaza and wish that my own government wouldn't be so fucking horrible

[@marcella8576]

Hey do you have any plans for moving away long term?

[@assaf_jerry]

@@marcella8576 currently not really, mainly because I'm still a teen, but I'm considering it

[@a.p.6580]

Jews have the biggest victimhood complex out of any ethnicity in the planet. Nobody is persecuting you, but you are DEFINETLY persecuting others.

[@IRegretMyPreviousHandle]

​@@marcella8576 there's no one in my life who's not considered moving, but keep in mind if all of the Israelis who are sympathetic to Palestinians and critical of Israeli policies move away, that gives a lot more power to the fundamentalists who stay. But for sure if Netanyahu manages to hold on to power, or is just replaced with an even more fascist option, a lot of us are going to have a hard time not giving up...

[@GianniDN]

Assaf do you think more Israeli people will stand up against their government if we make sure Israel is banned from every event? Do you think it could have an impact? I think you understand that Europe has nothing against Israeli people but against the war crimes your government are committing. We hope that by our actions Israeli people wake up and resist against their government. Another country can’t interfere or remove your government, this is totally in the hands of Israeli people.

[@Yd6Cr]

This is so important! Letting Israel participate in Eurovision is a way for them to legitimize their genocide of Palestinians. it's also important we find other ways to protest. There are demonstrations happening every week in Sweden in support of Palestine. We need people here and and in other countries to demonstrate and show this is unacceptable.

[@Noell05]

🤡

[@idab9958]

I don't even have words for how disgusted I am by the fact that this genocide apologia shitshow is being held in my country, or the fact that most of my countrymen will likely be too excited about it to do the decent thing and boycott it.

[@Babyblue115]

Fellow Swede here! I will boycott and I will sign petitions.

Swede here, will definitely not turn on the television to watch Eurovision

[@wormrights883]

Yea it makes me so dissapointed as a fellow swede

[@daniatras]

Jag med

[@LoveNLIL]

​@will manage with you and other haters

[@sirbalmond]

As a German, no major public institution like bigger broadcasts would ever speak out against Israel, hence our history, hell, even the critical voices from journalists and other public figures were silenced and defamed as antisemitic, when some of them were jewish themselves smh. But I hope that more people will wake up from this unwarranted Western glorification of the state of Israel and even something as seemingly trivial as the ESC will draw conclusions. Big tanks for your efforts from a long-time viewer!

[@timoth4529]

its Ironic, we where taught about how devestaiting and wrong Genocide is yet the majoyrity of the press supports this one. "Die würde des Menschen is unantastbar" should be taken seriously just this once.

[@Onnarashi]

I guess Germany is in a particularly tricky situation when it comes to criticising Israel, given your history. Nearly 80 years after WWII, the atrocities of that era still cast a large shadow over your country.

[@torcaace]

same here with Greece. Our ghoulish government is VERY pro-israel and owns pretty much almost all mainstream news companies. However, right now it's in a tough spot because both farmers and university students are on mass strikes so there is potential to further act.

[@peccantis]

You'd think Germany of all states would be qualified to tell Israel that targeting a religious minority within your borders is a very, very sad choice.

[@Carlo_von_Habsburg]

Criticising Israel is good, Criticising Jews for their actions in Gaza is ok Hating Jews based on their religion and descendance is not okay. I am sick of being called anti-Semitic for saying Israel is committing genocide. We Germans need to distinguish between helpless innocent Jews that were brutally murdered 80 years ago and the government of Israel who is killing innocent palestinians

[@ceciliececilie]

Thank you for this! I've contacted the broadcasters of my country now. Here's to hoping that they listen! People are already protesting in front of their main offices in Copenhagen.

[@howbigtheace]

It's especially important for people from the big 5 (Germany, Italy, UK, France, Spain) to reach out and make some noise, given we're the ones mostly funding the thing! Once the German entry is settled and/or narrowed down I'll make sure to also reach out to them. This is beyond vile.

[@GianniDN]

Italy stopped delivering weapons to Israel and the pro Palestinian manifestations are huge. We had one in Milano recently. We are many who contacted RAI and I know that some of our artists will surely refuse to go to Eurovision but they can just pick an artist who wants to go. Hopefully they all deny and show some dignity and support, but sadly that’s not in our hands.

[@emdove]

Have you seen the ESCkompakt Interview with Max Mutzke? He talks about politics and racism a lot, but I don't think he mentions Palestine - just "concerning Antisemitism". It's sad that hearing the word now makes me think that these people support another genocide. Getting the NDR to boycott or threaten a boycott will be very difficult, considering the political climate in Germany and the conservative stance the broadcaster has. Everything as it always was. Contacting the chosen representative is a great idea, I'll do so as well!

[@GianniDN]

@@emdove people hate the Israeli government for their war crimes but no one hates Israeli people. What people want is those wars to stop.

[@eeeeeeee-wi1jx]

וואו אני כל כך מסכימה😔 כי זה *במיוחד* חשוב שגרמניה תביע אנטישמיות! ברו באמת חשבה שהיא הביאה פה רעיון חדש

[@howbigtheace]

@@eeeeeeee-wi1jx Way to twist my words...

[@CometTheMicroraptor]

Beatrice Quin/EuroQuision has a petition and resources for contacting broadcasters and has been collecting signatures from past and current artists for a letter to help put pressure on the EBU as well!

[@RockiesCanada]

Somewhat related, why is the EBU ignoring ethnic cleansing in Nagorno Karabakh and allowing Azerbaijan to compete?

[@paulapierrot9542]

The flag of Nagorno Karabakh is also banned at Eurovision.

[@robsch21]

@@paulapierrot9542every flag is banned at Eurovision except of the participating countries and the pride flag

[@paulapierrot9542]

@@robsch21 Afaik all UN state flags are allowed, not only the participating countries and disputed territories are banned. Or did they change that?

[@robsch21]

@@paulapierrot9542 Well I think up until 2015 or 16 every flag was allowed but then they introduced rules so you can only fly flags of recognized nations as well as the pride flag. They even created rules on how large the flag can be.

[@sonofalbi9801]

It’s because no country cares about Artsakh and Artsakhis, especially the current Armenian government and Pashinyan. I could maybe see Cyprus initiating something, but even they most likely won’t due to Turkish retribution.

[@daisyd3w3491]

As a german I call tell you that there's no way my government and broadcasters will ever say anything critical about israel. It's appalling

[@MaryIam13]

that is sadly very true :( but as a fellow german, I sent an email to NDR and also already encouraged my family as well as my friends to do so! because then at least in the future I can say that I DID TRY to do SOMETHING...its frustrating but at this point not stopping to raise awareness and talking about this is the only thing you can do; even though you may feel alone - majority of my friend group for example do not care at all....

[@raan2115]

Yes omg we have the protests against the afd and people are freaking out about right wing politics (which is right of course!!) but at the same time ignoring a GENOCIDE happening right before our noses? Germany of all countries!!

[@petra1995]

Seems like (some, too many) Germans learned the wrong lessons from the Holocaust 😬

[@TRex91de]

@@MaryIam13but did you get a message back? I think for German it would be better. Another Zero Points is not something the NDR wants. And I think Isaac is maybe under a lot of pressure to score some points in may.

[@uri0606]

As a Greman I suggest you shut your effing mouth after what your ancestors have done to jews.

[@jonahantony6418]

Even though I don't know any Palestinians and I have Israeli friends, and even IF the claims of Gazan casualties was greatly exaggerated and only a couple of thousand kids were killed, Israel my friend, you have become the monster you sought to destroy... The oppressed has now become the oppressor. Wiping out families, homes, innocent civillians and children, and starving thousands is not "self-defence" 😭😭

[@komninosm]

It's been an Apartheid state for a long time now. You can watch videos by many progressive creators analyzing the status. Some More News is a good start.

[@quantumfluffyflapjack]

Thank you for compiling that list, I don't see the BBC pulling out, but it can't hurt to try. Might drop a polite little email or message to the people who usually do commentary too, why not.

[@MTmerm]

The BBC is complicit in Israeli interests, it's disgusting the way that they and other western media outlets have been reporting on this "war". The real journalists are the ones that have been risking/have lost their lives in Palestine. The BBC is a fucking joke

[@vik318]

Saw the thumbnail: Yes. No further context needed. They should be banned.

[@Noell05]

l 🤡

[@snowcold5932]

Let's not forget Azerbaijan either, who hosted in 2012 and has never faced participation issues

[@tincht]

Nagorny-Karabakh is officially and legally Azerbaijani territory though, if you mean this conflict. Or are you referring to something else?

[@By_Ash_Away]

Thank you so much for not only talking about this but also compiling the list that people can use to contact their broadcasters. Together we can do anything.

[@KrisQaj]

Thank you for your thorough video in this topic! My broadcaster (in Germany) does not feel responsible at all. I contacted them back in December. NDR refered me to the ESC team and they refered me to the EBU (that I already contacted: no answer) with a non functioning e-mail address. I clarified to them that my addresse is my national broadcaster. No answer since then. I prepared factual texts in English and in German of the attrocities happening in Gaza with the demand to support the ban of Israel at this year's ESC, that I regularly post. I hope the pressure grows, as the international court of justice follows up on what's happening. But as for Germany I'm truly ashamed of my countries responses. We haven't learned from the darkest chapters of our history and it's terrifying. The Palestinian people need every support. How can something like Eurovision, that brought me so much joy over the years fill me up with so much unease and disappointment. I'm so mad at the ignorance and the double standards there and what values they seem to portrait rn.

[@Monkyricky]

Thank you for being a real one. Felt like I was losing my mind watching content creators stay silent about everything going on. Thank you for standing on the right side of history

[@viiviviviiv]

it's frustrating because this platform specifically has more power than mainstream ones for reasons detailed in this video. Where is breadtube on this? They could mobilize a lot of action.

[@redvelvetunderground]

the fact that israel has been able to compete for decades despite the brutal occupation while russia remains banned says a lot about who exactly eurovision is for and it will always be in service for empire

[@Taylor-oq3gf]

with a propaganda entry last year too.

[@ivangugo1002]

​@@Taylor-oq3gfunicorn was propaganda?

[@cobrablue8001]

@@ivangugo1002 the lyrics quite literally say shit like "i'm not your enemy" and "don't you wanna change history", including also that bullshit "hope version" noa kirel released of the song after oct 7 which sees literally not a single lyric of the song changed. so yes it is in fact propaganda

[@fehzorz]

Russia being banned is a good thing - I think the arguments would go further if you frame EBU as doing the right thing (after being pressured)

[@ivangugo1002]

@@cobrablue8001 the song when introduced to esc was about a strong and powerfull woman, if she did a version after show supporting Israel after a terrorist attack (which I understand since It is her own country even though I don't support them for what they have been doing since their first appear back in ww2) doesn't make the original propaganda, that is the lyrics meaning you have made up after 7th october (because before that none of you who cared a sh*t about what happens in Palestine), is Stefania propaganda? Is 1944 propaganda? Of course not, so the same applies here.

[@tamatebako_yt]

Oh, also it's beyond ridiculous for them to claim that Eurovision is a nonpolitical contest. I am beyond belief they said that. Do they think we're stupid? Eurovision is, and always has been a very political event, sometimes explicitly so. Bro, this goes down to the most elemental level, the voting. You think it's just coincidence how some countries always give each other high ratings? How the winners are decided each year? Yeah, think again. Not political my ass. But I guess it's fine as long as you sing about identity or peace or whatever. Anything that's marketable.

[@woodrowwilson2597]

As an ARMENIAN all I can say is WTF...WHERE WERE ALL OF YOU WHEN azerbaijan AND turkey were GENOCIDING ARMENIS, TO THIS DAY!!!

[@Kilroyan]

Thank you and yours for collating all this information. I feel like I've regained just the tiniest bit of agency in the face of this dystopian situation.

[@TMJW]

For anyone in the States PEACOCK (owned by NBC/Universal) again has exclusive streaming rights for Eurovision 2024 Obviously different from network broadcast but still worth it to raise an effort

[@TMJW]

I think the Canadian access is still through BBC/KZbin

[@Jahommmmmmtirrrrrrrrrrrrrrr]

i am belgian and i contacted RTBF long ago, the response i got was very delayed and was word for word exactly the same as a few other responses from different broadcasters, the ebu is most likely commanding broadcasters to say this: “The Eurovision Song Contest is a competition for public service broadcasters from across Europe and the Middle East. It is a competition for broadcasters - not governments - and the Israeli public broadcaster has taken part in the Contest for 50 years. The governing bodies of the EBU - headed by the Executive Board - have reviewed the participants list and agreed that the Israeli broadcaster KAN meets all the competition rules and can participate next year alongside 36 other broadcasters in Malmö, Sweden. The EBU is aligned with other international organizations, including sports unions and federations, that have similarly maintained their inclusive stance towards Israeli participants in major competitions at this time. The Eurovision Song Contest remains a non-political event that unites audiences around the world through music.”

[@styno9295]

Hey! I'm also belgian, but my french is quite lacking. so thank you for messaging them.

[@jadziajan]

Thank you so much for this! I already contacted my broadcasters and tried to contact Slimane & his agency, but I felt very alone in doing so. The French side of Eurovision doesn't have the most progressive public. I'll check your lists make sure I've contacted all the right addresses! (Au cas où un français lit ce commentaire, je vous encourage à partager votre désaccord publiquement avec la participation de Slimane. Jusqu'ici je me suis sentie très seule à le faire et les seules réponses que j'ai eues étaient celles de personnes plutôt âgées qui aimaient un peu trop Slimane et ne comprenaient rien ni à mon commentaire, ni à comment on utilise les réseaux sociaux.)

[@ecenbt]

je suis pas française mais j'habite en france en tant qu’étrangère, tu pourrais partager comment contacter les responsables en France peut-être? Tu penses que parler de ça seulement sur les réseaux sociaux est suffisant ou est-ce qu'il faut adresser a une entité spécifique?

[@ecenbt]

Ah, j'ai vue la liste juste maintenant, solidarité a toi chère amie

[@verdeurie8650]

I'm coming back to this video after this years Eurovision and hearing that they're worried about 'bringing the competition into disrepute' is the richest thing I've ever heard. It got so, SO much worse. 💀

[@whateverIwasthinkingatthetime]

AND NOW WE ARE DEEP IN DISREPUTE

[@ristoravela652]

I'm baffled that they aren't banned already. Nor because EBU has morals, they don't, but because it would be a terrible idea to let them participate. It would (will?) just polarize the competition and be a massive distraction.

[@RLelling]

Hey Verity, I was actually hoping to hear about one thing that I remember but no one talks about. In 2017, the Israeli scoregiver said his goodbyes from "everyone here", prompting a lot of people to wonder whether Israel was dropping out of the contest, but what really happened was that the Israeli broadcaster (IBA) which had existed since 1948, was being replaced by a new Netenyahu-approved broadcaster (IPBC / Kan). I believe that a good angle for Eurovision fans is to talk about this particular change. Broadcasters are not their states, but the IPBC was restructured under a very autocratic man, and its restructuring was already once opposed by the EBU for being too influenced by politicians. Honestly, a country enters a new oppressive era and closes down its national broadcaster, replacing it with one they have more control over? That should bring up red flags with everyone. (Especially Slovenes still remembering the latest Janša experience).

[@blackanne]

Thanks for sharing this info.

[@Paulxl]

Netanyahu is hellbent on getting rid off the Israeli public broadcaster. If that happens, their EBU membership and their Eurovision rights are gone.

[@ronnieh8163]

Netanyahu tried to replace the IBA with a less independent broadcaster but the IPBC ended up being just as independent and he tried to shut it down before it even officially launched. He hates it as much as he hates any independent media outlet. It doesn't change the fact that Israel should be banned from the Eurovision though

[@Paulxl]

@@arielshligman2146 KAN was stablish under a government leaded by Netanyahu

[@noamyoeli700]

If you'd knew what are you talking about, you would have known that KAN represents the more liberal sides of Israel, with zero control by the government. That's why Netanyahu and the current government loathes KAN and wish to pass a law allowing it's shut-down, in order to be able to replace KAN with a broadcaster they could actually control.

[@han-oq6bo]

Correction: the ebu were not going to ban Russia. Several broadcasters had to threaten to withdraw. No broadcaster has done that this year and the German broadcaster has stated they will withdraw if Israel is removed.

[@klejis3106]

True, and the EBU simply cannot afford the Contest without Germany. So I think Israel is definitely competing this year.

[@Bionickpunk]

Germany are such cowards towards Israel cause they fear being marked as Na*is if they aren't supporting Israel in everything.

[@zombierabbit944]

they do mention that in video which is why they tell people to write to their broadcasters abt withdrawing in order to protest israel's participation.

[@han-oq6bo]

@@zombierabbit944 well they do that at the end then because in the beginning the made it sound like the ebu did it instantly and well that was enough for me to tune out.

[@howbigtheace]

Genuinely asking because I can't find it, do you have a source for the NDR saying they will withdraw if Israel is banned?

[@mirianavicino2358]

The situation in Italy is completely disheartening. During Sanremo, the music festival through which the Eurovision contestant is chosen, many artists tried to address the genocide through songs or messages. They were all dismissed and there were instances of prominent members of italian jew communities asking them to apologize publicly. Then, during a special morning show about Sanremo contestants, two of them tried again to bring up the massacre that is being perpetuated in Palestine and ask for a ceasefire. The first one was asked to change topic and the second one was straight up censored. Later during the show, the host read an official statement by the current Rai manager (which, by the way, shares fascist sympathies with the actual government) that supported Israel and hoped for a generic "peace" in which there absolutely was no mention of Palestinian people. The following day, protests were organized about this obvious censorship act in various italian cities where Rai studios were situated. The police repressed the protests with violence, there were reports of young people hit and arrested while Rai workers laughed it off. Of course there was no mention of the events in the national news programs, the informations we gathered was through social media. I will gladly try to contact them but it's really fucking difficult living in this state. Thank you for collecting the info and various sources though!

[@thecerveza]

Before I watch the video in full I just want to say thank you for covering this topic. You're one of the best video essayist in this platform and seeing you talk about this frankly gives me more hope somehow.

[@Ayshafr]

I'm really glad that you've made this video. Cultural boycotts of Israel are super important in the process of Palestinian liberation. While I don't really follow KZbinrs on other platforms so I can't speak to what they've been doing elsewhere, it's been disheartening to see KZbinrs on the "left" who haven't talked about Palestine on their platforms here. I'm glad this is a call to action as well.

[@anniee5487]

i live in the city where eurovision will be hosted this year and im disgusted at how spineless the venue is. ive been emailing them since december. to me and whats within what my country can do, the ideal would be that every venue refused to host srael is competing, forcing eurovision to bounce between cities until they ban israel. sadly, i dont think we are very good at boycotting. People protest, but a lot of people wouldnt make inconvenient everyday changes. In my experience, a lot of people, especially older people, think activism is lame and for young and naive leftwingers.

[@emdove]

That sounds like an interesting approach, would the venue have to pay a fine if they refused to host? I imagine they have a contract, and if they break it they might have to pay an exorbitant amount of money to the EBU. Probably money they don't have. But I'm not really sure how something like this is handled, legally.

[@anniee5487]

​@@emdove I wish I could find info on local organizing, but it doesnt seem to be a very big presence. I mean people are posting about it and wont watch it, but i havent found a concrete plan on how to act and where to put our efforts.

[@spicerow]

Womp womp

[@Noell05]

bs

[@המנוניםשלמדינות]

The Muslims immigrants Are destroying your country And you are thinking about israel What is you problem ?

[@tulz6278]

Thank you for speaking up, it's been around 3 months and it can be tiring when it feels like no one is listening but when more influencers speak out, it motivates us to continue doing our actions

[@katerynakuzmuk3236]

i’m watching this video right after the one about eurovision queer politics and i feel disappointed with the way you explain the reasons for russia’s ban from the contest. the unequal treatment doesn’t have to do as much with ukrainians’ whiteness (although i don’t deny it’s impact) as with the power a country has geopolitically. in 2014 russia wasn’t banned from the contest for anexing crimea and invading ukraine, because nobody really cared about it. and only in 2022, as you said in the previous video, it took 10 european countries to actually receive a reaction from EBU.

[@The8BitPianist]

"It's a land of war and occupation, but we have so much more than that!" Is such an extremely weird piece of propaganda. Who came up with that?

[@YEY0806]

Its like they binged "Starship Troopers" and then went "we like Starship Troopers for its political satire, everyone likes it, so everyone will like us for doing the same thing like Starship Troopers!"

[@caspenbee]

It's a fun vibe to whip off the cape and mask like "surprise! This isn't a video essay, it's a call to action!"

[@clairemckinley691]

I complained to the SBS (broadcaster in Australia) after seeing this. Big props for making this video

[@marblesandpiracies]

I also lodged a complaint with SBS! This video is great for sharing with friends, given the poor state of reporting across Australian media.

[@AnnikaVictoria24]

I've lodged a complaint too and shared this with all my eurovision loving friends. I hope quite a few people will contact them, so they can't ignore it

[@miss_jess]

are you able to share your complaint here? I don't want to straight up copy it, but use it as a basis for my own

[@Noell05]

bs

[@Noell05]

bs@@marblesandpiracies

From my point of view as a German person we are pushed by the same coming from the guilt of having being the country that caused the Holocaust into support Israel no matter how bad it does.

[@timoth4529]

Honestly the Guilt of having been resposible of one the biggest Genocides in more recent History, should not have us defending this one. It should do the opposite.

[@petra1995]

Did no one think that "Genocide is bad" is a better lesson to learn from the Holocaust than "We must be Israel's cheerleader"?

[@bahartaban5218]

This is the point made by the Jewish director Glazer; We have to resist those who try to steal our past, our Judaism, and our pain by attacking innocent people. Yes, there is so much pain in history, but it does not allow others to do the same...

[@MsMishLee]

I hear this often, and I'd argue that education on the matter is the only way to make sure it doesn't happen again. Germany taking responsibility for actions of the past is truly noble, respectful, and why Germany has been able to spring right back into society as a powerhouse, and with a military. However, I do not think that you should feel guilt. I am an American and I do not believe that the generation that followed should feel guilt for actions they did not commit. Overall, I have immense respect for the way Germany acknowledged their past and rebuilt into peaceful powerhouse in such a short amount of time. I cannot recall any time an Arab country or people took responsibility for their actions (in admitting what they did was wrong), and instead they continually seem to just...erase, omit, or rewrite their history to teach to their children. With that said, I don't believe the German government and other western governments support Israel because of 'guilt'. They, and many other individuals, see the bigger picture. And listen to what extremists in Gaza are saying. When Hamas says in their charter that they want to destroy Israel, they do not mean "we want to govern the people instead of Israel" or "go back to where you came from" (even though Jewish people originated from Judaea, what we now call the West Bank...and many Israeli Jews came from the Arab region)...they will literally kill anyone there...like they've done before Israel was created, and after Israel was created...it will literally be a genocide. Instead of just seeing an occupation and blockade and thinking "that's unfair," people need to start asking why there is occupation and blockades in the first place. Don't forget that Egypt also blockades Gaza because of all of the terror that comes from there. Why don't the Arab countries take in Palestinians during this time of need? Because Palestinians have also caused mass chaos, terror, and assassinations in surrounding Arab countries in the past. And with many children brought up to love martyrdom and extremist views practically from birth and Hamas embedding themselves with civilians, nobody knows who is a terrorist or not...men, women, and children included...sadly. As westerners we think that Palestinians want a nation of their own and peace...but that's just not the case. There were so many chances for a 2-state solution that Israel always agreed to, but Palestinians always said no. Palestinians who advocated for peace with Israel were murdered by...Palestinians...yep...so there are hardly any left. It's horrible and I feel sad for what has become of the Palestinian people, but that is not Israel's doing...that is Hamas and the PA's doing and the western left supports this perhaps without knowing it. Also, by supporting 'resistance' (aka terror), Israel continues to have a reason to occupy and blockade, and the cycle never ends. If the world instead points fingers at Palestinian governments to...acknowledge that terror is actually a bad thing (like how Germany did), actually govern and improve the lives of their people with the billions of dollars in aid they get (instead of their pockets and rockets), and the Palestinian people can change their views that living life more important than martyrdom and being a shahid, then maybe the ideology can be broken, there would be no need or reason to occupy and blockade, and there can be peace.

[@eliseroos4173]

Yes! What I’ve been thinking and you did the work for me! Thank you!

[@macaronisex]

I like how in that video they say “it’s a land of war and occupation BUT we have so much more than that!!!” Like they can’t even deny that they’re doing something wrong they’ve just convinced themselves that it’s not a big deal

[@Олексій-и3ь]

Well russia occupied Crimea and Donbass in 2014 , but still participated in Eurovision till 2022, just saying

[@RFLCPTR]

Yeah, that was bad too

[@redvelvetunderground]

uh huh, and israel has occupied palestine for 75 years while russia is still banned, JUST SAYING.

[@blackanne]

Well, who are we kidding, Russia was fine until there was no direct threat to western Europe. Ukraine is a buffer in between so the support for it has practical political use to the West. It's not because of the kindness (I mean on the government level, lots of people are obviously kind and concerned).

[@bibiana761]

In 2014 Russia occuped only Crimea

[@Smileyreal]

And israel has been occupying and genociding Palestine since 1948, the amount of time isn't really that relevant

[@supremeoverlord0]

Every day I am in utter despair over the dystopic apathy shown towards Palestine. I try to comfort myself by remembering all the good people who are doing so much to try and help, but it doesn't stop so many people from dying... I hope this video gets more attention. If anything is effective, it seems social shaming is. People need to have their comfort spaces infringed upon to care.

[@ep6808]

I understand, the despair is really awful sometimes. But there are small things we can do, and if we all keep pushing at it we can make a difference. Emails, emails, emails, especially to government representatives and foreign ministers. Protests. Spreading the word irl and online. Being selective with how we spend our money, and boycotting as much as possible. And you're right, plenty social pressure and disruption too. We've got to encourage each other and keep going!

[@LuluTheCorgi]

There's a lot more people dying form other causes every day, like many many many more For your sake I hope you never think about the impact of leaded gasoline on humanity This particular cause of death is just more visible at the moment

[@supremeoverlord0]

@@LuluTheCorgi I think about a lot of things. Just verbalized my despair about this particular topic because that's what this video focused on.

[@kruhjekul]

great video! i really hope slovenia and even raiven properly address this. without pressure that could ban and condemn israel, this would set a dangerous precedent...

[@Kruhojedec3862]

Hi, im from slovenia too, have u tried contacting RTV, or RAIVEN? Cus i would love to but i feel like a joint attempt wpuld be a better option. Also amazing profile name.

[@Noell05]

bs

[@alexstar5182]

Lol do you think a Balkan country who tries so hard to be seen as western European wanna be Germany etc will ever voice against the official EU narrative????

[@fluffydestroyer8336]

clarification on the icelandic situation: RÚV has announced that they will still hold the decider contest and will allow the winning act to decide whether to go through to eurovision or not. it's a total copout and doesn't solve anything

[@Frogface91]

Urgh a bit nerve-wracking doing a BBC complaint as it asks for your full name, address and phone number as well as email address 😬 I've done it though, thank you for the video.

[@cmystery4180]

Fantastic video. This is reminicist of Azerbijan and Armenia (I'll never forget a few years ago when Azerbijan was invading Armenia, they still let them perform and Armenia couldn't go that year bc of the invasion). Thank you for this. Also in reference to the description, Morroccanoil is not only Israeli, but Israel has actively harmed the Argan oil industry. They basically colonized it (which originally was helping many Berber women in Morroco b/c the trees are from Morrocco but Israel basically made a "super" version that grows in Israel now) and are actively ruining it.

[@Noell05]

about delusion and stupidy

[@biray4710]

Azerbaijan was not invading Armenia. When the USSR disbanded, Karabagh became Azerbaijani territory. Armenia has been invading it for the past 30 years and Azerbaijan got their lands back.

[@charlottel371]

Thank you Verity and whoever else contributed to compiling this list - you continue to inspire by using your platform for good. Here’s hoping we can make change happen by standing together 💪

[@mehjar1999]

Swede here, sent it in to SVT. Really easy to do, just copy paste. Great work, great video and great resource.

[@sHuRuLuNi]

I sent this, but considering that the country where I pay the TV fees will imprison me if I just say "****** is a terrorist state", I seriously doubt they will do anything.

[@a.Sunbell]

As someone who lives close to Malmö, it they do not ban Israel from the contest, I might go and protest outside of the venue. It’s really sad seeing my country not do anything about it honestly. But I guess it’s not out of the ordinary if we think back to World War II. I’m just tired and disappointed.

[@foryou7673]

As a Norwegian, im really disappointed in your country atm.

[@ellem8990]

Apparently over 1 400 finnish artists collectively wrote to Yle (the finnish broadcaster) to boycott, if Israel is allowed to join. As far as I can tell it hasn't worked, but I don't know how recent this was, so maybe they could still change their mind. Plus, like showed in the video, one of the contestants for the national selection said he won't go if Israel is allowed (unfortunately that has lead to some finnish fans to encourage others to not vote for him for that reason and he definitely has lost some potential voters because of it).

[@Noell05]

bs

[@ellem8990]

@@Noell05 what is? I said a lot of things

[@SlashCampable]

i really hope something good comes out of this. so unbelievably disappointed in my government and broadcasting network haven't already barred israel from participating. but then, sweden has always been "neutral" by appeasing those who commit horrors across the world.

[@Noell05]

bs 🤡

[@melomankapl8756]

Thank you.

[@crowshroud]

I still remember talking to some Europeans I knew long before, specifically as an anti-zionist Jew on Turtle Island in support of Palestine, as I was trying to explain to please not watch. *Years* ago. Nearly all of them were complete and total brick walls when trying to explain this in any capacity, and were more worried about losing their fun song competition that "let them forget" about the bad shit in life. Saying I'd 'never understand'. What a luxury and privilege to be able to forget. To not be able to even see Israel's flag and be filled with such disgust and rage that they use your own community and people as an "excuse" for genocide, while not giving a shit about Judaism or Jews. To not see the forced sterilization of Ethiopian Jews, the genocide of Palestinian Jews, the mistreatment of shoah (holocaust) survivors, their collaboration with white supremacists. To know that Palestinians have been asking for YEARS for people to listen and hear them and to boycott, and so much of the world has completely ignored them. It's completely and utterly horrific. I'm glad more people are waking up to the reality. But even still I see people who would rather bury their head in the sand in regards to a settler calonial genocidal state of stolen Palestinian land and their propaganda in the name of 'having fun'.

[@TigerPrawn_]

For most people “it’s so complicated” and they leave it at that.

[@LadyDoomsinger]

@@TigerPrawn_I admit, I used to be one of those "It's so complicated" people - but the recent horrors we've witnessed has put me firmly and securely in the "Free Palestine" camp. There is no excuse for the systematic slaughter and displacement of civilians. Israel has committed grievous and brutal war crimes and proven they, as a nation, cannot be trusted to negotiate in good faith for any peaceful resolution nor to coexist peacefully with Palestinians. Whatever sympathy I held for their cause, whatever moral high ground I believed them to have in this fight, was lost when I finally understood just how uncompromising they have been in their ethnic cleansing of Palestine - and I am ashamed that it took me this long to see it.

[@PrincessAcornHair]

It's so easy for people who have never suffered injustice to just ignore everything going on in life

[@jordanmcgrory2171]

It's all about who is in the club and who is not. Israel is a western ally and therefore in the club. Hopefully countries like Ireland which has a strong anti-imperialist politics refuse to show up.

[@096Nat]

Hello! There's a teeny tiny typo in the Spanish version of the mail. It says " pesar de de haber prohibido en años anteriores la participación de otros países" and at the beginning there should be just one "de", not two ("de otros paises" is fine). I was actually talking to my friends about this bias and we really didn't know what to do, so I'll go and share this video, so that we can make some noise!

[@GianniDN]

Italians are putting a lot of pressure on RAI hand the artists to refuse to go to Eurovision. I know that some like Mahmoud will refuse to go if he wins San Remo. I don’t want countries or artists to withdraw, I just want Israel out. Accepting them feels like agreeing with the genocide they are committing

[@theyeening]

Yes - Israel should be kicked out of this year's Eurovision! But Israel is not the only country that did a terrible thing in 2023 - in September 2023, Azerbaijan succeeded in its long term goal of conquering Nagorno Karabakh/Artsakh, displacing/ethnically cleansing 120.000 indigenous Armenians in the process + the country is starting to claim the whole territory of Armenia as theirs. So Azerbaijan should join Israel on the list of countries that are not wanted in Eurovision.

[@fehzorz]

They are also one of the countries that blatantly uses Eurovision for propaganda.

[@pemrio]

Its not same as the war in gaza because armenian goverment also fights with azerbaijan too and killed many of the locals trought the history and still does and neither of them (armenia and azebaijan) are colonist like isreal

[@MadameCorgi]

​@@pemriono its the same lol

[@sonofalbi9801]

@@pemrioAzerbaijan is absolutely settler colonialist. Towards the end of the USSR, the Azeri SSR started sending migrants to Artsakh in order to dillute its Armenian population.

[@pemrio]

@@sonofalbi9801 armenians has war crimes too they aren't saints like you see them to be

[@lind4ricci]

I ABSOLUTELY FCKING LOVE YOUR CHANNEL OMG

[@floppet]

It feels weird, but I don’t think Eurovision will ever be the same after this year, feels like I’m braking up with an old family friend as I finally realised the toxicity and unfairness they portrayed. Love your analysis and I will keep tuning in.

[@witherschat]

The announcement of Israel getting over 300 public vote points for a... mid song, even after what happened in those past few months was... disheartening to say the least.

[@Bilbi6943]

An "old family friend"? Europe massacred and ethnically cleansed jews for centuries, said to us go back to were we came from, and when we did what you wanted you started to call us colonizers and occupiers. Why do you think most jews in the world live in the US, US, Canada and South America? We never trusted you and we will never will.

[@basti5231]

I am so happy that you are speaking out and making this video. THank you!

[@meander112]

Engagement for the engagement god!

[@AdaSaarinen]

Praised be our offerings to the engagement god!

[@AnonymousPsych]

Likes for the Like Throne..?

[@meander112]

@@AnonymousPsych Subs for the sub throne!

[@meander112]

​@@AnonymousPsych Subs for the sub throne!

[@wowanothercookie]

Joining

[@noramad13]

This pisses me off so much as a lifelong Eurovision fan. The contest means so much to me but the presence of Israel is such a huge stain on its morality, not only this year but for all the decades that Israel has been participating. It makes me sick that corrupt and greedy people are managing an event that’s supposed to be about peace, love, and joy, and for monetary reasons they’re still allowing a genocidal apartheid state to compete as if it were any normal country. I just want to remind fellow Eurovision fans that the contest is for us, Israel doesn’t own it, and we can protest loudly and keep complaining and trying to make change because it’s OUR contest, not theirs.

[@paulapierrot9542]

I'm a big Eurovision fan, too but for me Eurovision was always my "problematic fave". The Palestinian flag is banned there, as is the flag of Kosovo and other disputed territories, and the rainbow flag is tolerated but not during a show where it could be interpreted as a political statement. This is weird since Eurovision is basically gay Christmas in May. Also, a journalist analyzed how poor countries are neglected; for instance, Bosnia and Herzegovina: One Bosnian artist wanted to save money and stay at a friend's place during the time of the show in the hosting city, but the organizers insisted on the most expensive hotels, etc. In the end, Eurovision costs poor countries a lot, and it's often not worth it just to be seen as a part of Europe once a year. No wonder that there are fewer and fewer participating Balkan countries every year, whereas the "big five" are always present because they pay. Then there's this whole issue with pink washing, showing countries to be progressive, feminist and diverse even if they're ruled by far-right governments. Eurovision definitely feeds into nationalism and homonationalism. On the other hand, I love it because it was always a bridge between my queer and my post-migrant Balkan identity. This year, I consider boycotting it. I don't see how we can make it "our contest" because I don't think it ever was. It was always a show of the rich European countries promoting a watered-down nationalist image of themselves with a very shallow and artificial message about peace and love, which is as European and as hypocritical as it gets.

[@ivorywine2627]

​@@paulapierrot9542 Tbh it's hasn't really been that big of a thing in the Balkans, less and less people are interested in it year after year. People just don't like anything outside of their norms and the amount of homophobia and hate genuenly surprises me every year no matter how much I expect it. I only watch it because it's a really rare moment of queer representation on Balkan TV but we all know we can never compare to other countries

[@SwieczkaNiweaniewierzeDarek]

@@paulapierrot9542 What do you mean the rainbow flag is not tolerated during the show??? They are literally everywhere in the crowd and even performers often bring them along to the green room... Not to mention tons of queer artists participating every year. There was even a drag queen interval act last year... Sorry, but you can't get more LGBTQ friendly than Eurovision.

[@Roasting_Chicken]

If Russia can’t participate Israel shouldn’t

[@eviebond2036]

I hope more people see this video and take the actions you have promoted. Thank you for including tangible steps that people can take, it is important for people to remember that there is always something we can do as it is so easy to get overwhelmed with the current situation