More than 1,000 musicians and cultural figures have called for a boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, citing concerns over Israel’s participation amid the ongoing Genocide in Gaza.
In an open letter, the artists argued that allowing Israel to compete risks “normalising” the country’s actions during the conflict. The signatories include performers, composers and industry professionals from multiple countries, reflecting growing cultural pressure linked to the war.
The campaign echoes similar calls during previous international events, where activists have urged cultural institutions to take political stances. Eurovision organisers, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), have historically maintained that the contest is a non-political event, though participation decisions have faced increasing scrutiny in recent years.
The latest appeal comes as the Gaza Genocide continues to draw global attention, with rising civilian casualties and humanitarian concerns reported by international organisations. The EBU has not announced any change regarding Israel’s participation at the time of writing. Debate over the boycott highlights the broader intersection of culture and politics, as artists increasingly use global platforms to express positions on international conflicts.
