A few hours before the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest, thousands took to the streets in Malmo to protest against Israel’s participation in the event, competing with singer Eden Golan, and to denounce the ongoing conflict in Gaza. According to the police, around 10,000 people participated, many more according to the organizersbut still a very big protest for Malmo.
“It’s been nice and quiet, no problems so far,” said Robert Loeffel, a spokesman for the local police. Among those present at the Gaza march was also environmentalist Greta Thunberg, seen wearing a keffiyeh: “I’m here to protest against Israel’s presence at Eurovision,” she told the Swedish newspaper Expressen. The procession then ended in a square where an alternative concert to Eurovision was held. “It is very important to come and protest against Israel’s war in Gaza,” Anders, from Malmo, told ANSA at the march with his two children.
“There is a double standard at Eurovision and we also see that Western countries do not enforce international law,” he explained. Librarian Maria says she loves Eurovision and has seen it every year on TV since she was a child, but she can’t understand why Israel is competing: “I don’t have words to describe what’s happening in Gaza. It’s terrible! They say that politics has nothing to do with music, but then why did the municipality of Malmo remove all the stickers and signs about Gaza? It’s a clear stance on their part,” he said, saying angry about what is happening. On the stage of the Malmo Arena, in addition to Angelina Mango, there is also the Israeli Eden Golan with her song Hurricane.
SVT reports that during the rehearsals in the arena she was challenged by some present but in an interview with the broadcaster she said she was happy to be in Malmo: “I’m here and I’m doing what I love most. I’m focused on the music and about positive energy, there are many people who support me”, declared the artist, saying she was “honored” to represent Israel. A message from Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyhau also gave her support: “Eden, you are competing, with great pride, not only in Eurovision, but against an ugly wave of anti-Semitism. You are honorably representing the State of Israel. Know that when you they will boo, we will all be rooting for you.”
At the same time, a small gathering of members of the Jewish community in Malmo was held in another square in the city center. Flags of Sweden and Israel filled the square surrounded by a strong police presence in riot gear and monitored by a drone. “I don’t usually watch Eurovision but this year I will,” said Jerry, 70, a member of the Jewish community: “I’m Swedish but I’m also Jewish and I support Israel. Not everything they do clearly, but my heart goes out to Israel “. During the event, with about a hundred participants, they played music that Israeli artists had brought to past editions of Eurovision, sang and danced. A tribute was also expressed to those who died at the Nova Festival on October 7: “They loved the music, they would have liked to be here”, declared one of the organizers.
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