Irish activists protest Israeli presence in Eurovision, call for boycott

DUBLIN, IRELAND - MAY 2, 2024: Activist in Dublin took to the streets on Thursday (May 2) to protest against Israeli involvement in the Eurovision Song Contest. Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Irish Artists For Palestine members convened at Radio Television of Ireland (RTE) for a demonstration. The protesters aimed to call for RTE to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest due to Israel's status as a contester. Pro-Palestine slogans also echoed in the area adorned with some banners. A banner was especially attention-grabbing as it read "Boycott Eurovision, artwashing Israel's Gaza genocide" The demonstration was beyond the bounds of convention, as it featured a play where actors lied still on the ground, mimicking killed Palestinians. The demonstration also involved the performance of traditional Irish music. Such famous persons as Liam O Maonlai, Mary Coughlan and Stephen Rea also appeared in the protest. The protestors had previously called for the disqualification of Israel from the contest, of which RTE took no notice. The famous musician Liam O Maonlai highlighted the effectiveness of boycotts. "Well, I think boycotts have been powerful over the years for waking people up to change". He also made reference to an "interesting" idea that was once shared with him. "Probably, the only country that isn't being controlled by this dark control system is Palestine. They are standing up for everyone." The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said that it is banning any Palestinian flags and pro-Palestinian symbols at the Eurovision Song Contest scheduled to be held next week in Sweden, Malmo, local media reported Thursday. The EBU stated that those who try to enter the Malmo Arena, where the song contest will be held, with a Palestinian flag or a banner containing a political message will be stopped and their Palestinian flags or banners will be taken away, according to Goteborg Post newspaper. (Footage by Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)