Protesters in Basel target Eurovision
A group of protesters marched through Basel, waving large Palestinian flags and denouncing Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, which is being held in the city. The protests are part of a broader movement calling for Israel to be banned from the competition due to the ongoing war in Gaza, which has reportedly resulted in over 50,000 Palestinian deaths, according to local health officials. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) stated that Israel is allowed to compete because it is represented by KAN, its public broadcaster, rather than the government.
The protest, which began in front of the city hall and crossed the Rhine, was smaller than previous demonstrations held during the 2024 contest in Sweden. Israeli contestant Yuval Raphael, who survived the October 7 Hamas attack that killed 1,200 people, is representing Israel. Around 200 protesters conducted a silent march, carrying banners that read "Basel — Unite For Palestine" and "Boycott Genocide Song Contest," but were stopped by police before reaching the Eurovision Village fan zone.
The contest's opening ceremony on May 11 also saw demonstrations, with protesters chanting slogans as Raphael made her appearance. Reports indicated that a protester made a threatening gesture towards her, prompting a police investigation. Eurovision Song Contest Director Martin Green described the protests as "peaceful" and "respectful," reaffirming the contest's commitment to inclusivity.
Despite the tensions, Raphael remains focused on her performance, aiming to convey love and hope through her song "New Day Will Rise." The EBU has faced calls from various countries and artists to exclude Israel, similar to its previous ban on Russia in 2022, but has maintained its stance on political neutrality. As the Eurovision final approaches on May 17, further protests are expected in Basel against Israel's participation in the event.
