ESC
May 11, 2026, 1:54 p.mMay 11, 2026, 1:54 p.m
Protest actions for the country’s exclusion from the ESC are planned for the appearance of the Israeli participant Noam Bettan in the semi-finals of the Eurovision Song Contest on Tuesday. In the afternoon the motto “No music for executions. No glitter over the bloodshed” symbolically placed coffins.
Noam Bettan takes part in the Eurovision Song Contest for Israel.Image: keystone
The coffins will be deposited by activists from the “Platform Palestine Solidarity Austria” from 4:30 p.m. The group criticizes the fact that “despite its crimes, Israel is given the opportunity to be celebrated as a democratic and peaceful rainbow nation in Vienna this week.”
The “Song Protest” is planned for Friday afternoon (May 15th). The event is registered for 1000 people. This day is also Nakba Remembrance Day, which will play a central role in the “Song Protest”. It commemorates the flight and expulsion of around 700,000 to 750,000 Palestinians during the founding of the State of Israel and the first Arab-Israeli War in 1948.
“We are bringing an alternative to the stage with loud voices,” said the organizers. Among these voices is the musician Dinis Mota, who was considered a Portuguese entry but had already stated in advance that he did not want to compete in the ESC because of Israel’s participation. The event is supported by, among others, Roger Waters from Pink Floyd and Michael Barenboim, concertmaster of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra.
The demonstration is still registered for 3,000 participants. In addition to people from Austria, activists from neighboring countries are also expected. So far there have been specific inquiries from Slovenia and Slovakia. (dab/sda/apa)