Eurovision Used to Be a Lighthearted Spectacle – However It Has Become a Calculated Tool to Whitewash War.
A recent initialism surfaced a few months after the start of the military campaign against Gaza. Known as WCNSF, it means “Wounded child, no surviving family”. This acronym is specific to Gaza, according to doctors including paediatricians. Normally, it is uncommon for medical staff to care for a minor who has seen the death of their whole family. Yet, there has been no semblance of normality concerning the widespread destruction in Gaza, where whole bloodlines have been eradicated and the number of young amputees exceeds that of any other place in the world. Nothing ordinary about numerous doctors arriving back from a sea of ruins with testimonies of children being intentionally shot at.
A Hell on Earth Despite a Announced Cessation of Hostilities
Gaza remains a profound humanitarian disaster. Vital medicines and equipment are not getting in those in need, and major human rights organizations assert that violations are continuing. Officials disputes these accusations, just as it refutes everything it is charged with. Meanwhile, while traumatised orphans are now freezing in temporary shelters, there is some ostensibly positive news: apparently nothing is going to stop the Eurovision from pursuing its stated mission of “togetherness and artistic sharing.” Eurovision will continue to offer a prestigious stage for Israel, despite the fact that several European countries have now withdrawn in objection. And this, we are told, is what global togetherness resembles.
Historically, Eurovision excluded Russia from participating in 2022 over the “grave situation in Ukraine”. Yet the conflict in Gaza appears to be treated differently.
A Double Standard
Forget the fact that Israel was alleged to have used questionable voting tactics last year in what could be seen as an attempt to manipulate Eurovision. Ignore the report that a three-year-old girl was allegedly fatally struck in Gaza just days ago. Neglect the data that settler violence and systematic expulsions in the West Bank have surged. Forget the fact that foreign reporters are still blocked from freely reporting in Gaza. None of this, evidently, should be allowed to get in the way of Eurovision’s cherished spirit of unity.
The Pageant Proceeds Against a Backdrop of Profound Human Cost
Eurovision turns 70 next year – roughly two times the current lifespan of an individual in Gaza now. The event will proceed, but it will likely never recapture the camp joy it historically embodied. A competition that once promoted peace has devolved into a blatant mechanism to sanitize military aggression.
