Climate activist Greta Thunberg joined thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Eurovision 2024 host city Malmo to protest Israel's participation in the song contest ahead of this year's second semi-final.

Malmö

Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators have gathered in Malmo, the host city for Eurovision 2024, to voice their protest against the participation of Israel in the song contest. The protest attracted attention as climate activist Greta Thunberg joined the demonstrators ahead of the event's second semi-final.

The protest comes amid a significant influx of visitors to Malmo for the Eurovision contest, traditionally celebrated for its role in uniting countries through music. The inclusion of Israel in the event this year has, however, sparked controversy and led to calls for boycotts and disinvestment similar to movements seen on American and European campuses, particularly focused on Israel's actions in Gaza.

In response to the planned demonstrations, Sweden has increased its police presence in the city. Support has also been sought from neighboring countries, Denmark and Norway, to bolster security measures. As a precaution, authorities in Malmo have relocated prisoners to other detention centers in anticipation of potential mass arrests.

On the other side, Israeli Eurovision superfans have expressed dismay over the boycott calls, advocating for the event to remain a neutral platform where politics is set aside. They highlight the importance of using music as a bridge to unite rather than divide. Eden Golan, representing Israel in the contest, emphasized her determination to participate despite facing hostility, including being booed during a dress rehearsal.



Thousands join protest against Israel's Eurovision participation

100,000 visitors have gathered in Melmo for Eurovision, a competition that prides itself on uniting countries through music. But the inclusion of Israel has sparked outrage among pro-Palestinian demonstrators. Just like on American and European campuses, they're calling for boycotts and disinvestment from Israel, protesting against the country's operations in Gaza. I think they should be everywhere, and once again, young people are leading the way, showing the world how we should react to this. Sweden has ramped up police presence for the event, receiving reinforcements from neighbouring Denmark and Norway, and even moving prisoners in Melmo to detention centres in other parts of the country in anticipation for mass arrests. In Israel, these Eurovision superfans say they're heartbroken by the boycott calls, and want politics to be separated from music. Return to being united by music. Remember this year's logo? Let's build bridges. Remember this logo? And let's put politics aside, let's put conflict aside, and let's try finding the answer and the dialogue between us. Israel's Eden Golan says nothing will deter her after she was booed during a dress rehearsal on Wednesday.

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