The Eurovision Song Contest Was Traditionally a Whimsical Delight – Yet It Has Become a Cynical Way to Whitewash War.
A new term came to light a few months into the intensive bombing of Gaza by Israel. Labeled WCNSF, it signifies “Child casualty without any family left”. This designation is unique to Gaza, as stated by doctors like paediatricians. Typically, it is uncommon for doctors to care for a minor who has lost their whole family. However, there has been nothing “normal” regarding the widespread destruction in Gaza, where whole bloodlines have been eradicated and the number of children who have lost limbs surpasses that of any other place in the world. Nothing ordinary about scores of doctors coming back from a sea of ruins with testimonies of children being deliberately targeted.
A Living Nightmare Regardless of a Announced Cessation of Hostilities
Conditions in Gaza persist as hell on earth. Critical healthcare resources are failing to reach those in need, and groups like Amnesty International assert that genocidal acts are still being committed. Authorities disputes these allegations, just as it refutes everything it is charged with. Meanwhile, while grieving children who lost parents are now suffering from the cold in temporary shelters, there is some ostensibly positive news: apparently nothing is going to stop the Eurovision from continuing with its stated mission of “unity and cultural exchange.” Eurovision will continue to extend a blood-red carpet for Israel, although at least four European countries have now pulled out in protest. And this, we are told, is what international harmony looks like.
Eurovision, of course excluded Russia from competing in 2022 because of the “grave situation in Ukraine”. But the crisis in Gaza appears to be completely different.
A Double Standard
Disregard the reality that Israel was accused of questionable voting tactics last year in what could be seen as an bid to manipulate Eurovision. Forget the fact that a toddler was reportedly killed in Gaza recently. Forget the fact that settler violence and coerced removal in the West Bank have escalated. Forget the fact that foreign reporters are still blocked from freely reporting in Gaza. None of this, it would seem, should be allowed to get in the way of Eurovision’s much-touted ethos of unity.
The Pageant Proceeds Amidst Unimaginable Suffering
The contest marks seven decades next year – nearly twice the average life expectancy of someone in Gaza today. The broadcast will air, but it will never be able to restore the camp joy it once represented. A competition that was originally built on togetherness has now become a cynical way to provide a cultural veneer for conflict.
