Palestinian Artists Urge EU Not to Hold Eurovision in Israel

Gaza, MINA – The Association of Palestinian Artist in the Gaza Strip has urged the European Union not to hold this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv.

The NGO issued an appeal at a press conference on Wednesday (8/5), which was attended by dozens of Palestinian artists, outside of the EU’s office in Gaza City, Anadolu Agency reported.

“Singing and music is the language of humanity, it’s the best way to express love, peace and coexistence,” Palestinian actor Nabil Al-Khatib told reporters.

“But the decision to hold this year’s Eurovision contest in Israel only serves to legitimize the persecution of the Palestinian people by beautifying Israel’s racist face,” he added.

“As Palestinians, we were shocked to find out that the biggest international song competition will be held this year in Tel Aviv,” Al-Khatib said.

He further said that the decision would provide support for the occupying forces that oppressed others.

The Eurovision Contest, which will be held this year in Tel Aviv, May 14-18, is an international music competition organized by the European Broadcasting Union since 1956.

It is the world’s largest non-sporting event in terms of viewership, which usually attracts up to hundreds of millions of viewers from across the globe. (T/Ast/P2)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)