The 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, held in Malmö, Sweden, was marked by significant controversy over Israel's participation amid the ongoing Gaza war. Five countries—Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, and Portugal—threatened to withdraw or boycotted the event, though only Iceland and Finland ultimately did not send delegations. The contest saw large protests in Malmö, with thousands demonstrating against Israel's involvement.
Israel's contestant, Eden Golan, performed the song 'Hurricane,' which was a revised version of an earlier entry deemed too political by organizers. Golan faced boos during rehearsals and the final, but also received support from some fans. The contest was won by Swiss singer Nemo with the song 'The Code,' marking Switzerland's first victory since 1988.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) defended Israel's participation, stating that the contest is a non-political event. However, critics argued that allowing Israel to compete while excluding Russia in 2022 was inconsistent. The controversy highlighted ongoing tensions over cultural boycotts and the role of international events in conflict situations.
