Eurovision Used to Be a Lighthearted Spectacle – But It Has Transformed Into a Cynical Way to Gloss Over Warfare.

An new term came to light a couple of months following the onset of the military campaign against Gaza. Referred to as WCNSF, it means “Wounded child, no surviving family”. This designation is specific to Gaza, per insights from doctors including child health specialists. Ordinarily, it is uncommon for medical staff to treat a minor who has seen the death of their complete family. But, there has been absolutely nothing ordinary regarding the genocide in Gaza, where entire family lineages have been wiped out and the number of child amputees surpasses that of any other region in the world. Nothing normal about many doctors coming back from a landscape of rubble with testimonies of children being systematically aimed at.

An Unimaginable Crisis Regardless of a Supposed Ceasefire

Gaza remains hell on earth. Vital medicines and equipment are being blocked those in need, and international watchdogs have stated that violations are continuing. The Israeli government has denied these claims, just as it disavows everything it is accused of. Meanwhile, while traumatised orphans are now freezing in makeshift tent camps, there is a piece of uplifting information: apparently nothing is going to stop the Eurovision song contest from continuing with its stated mission of “togetherness and artistic sharing.” Eurovision will continue to extend a blood-red carpet for Israel, even though several European countries have now boycotted in dissent. Since this, it seems, is what global togetherness looks like.

Historically, Eurovision banned Russia from participating in 2022 due to the “unprecedented crisis in Ukraine”. But the crisis in Gaza appears to be completely different.

Contradictory Principles

Overlook the circumstance that Israel was criticized for unfair vote practices last year in what appears to have been an bid to inject politics into Eurovision. Set aside the news that a toddler was allegedly fatally struck in Gaza just days ago. Neglect the data that aggression from Israeli settlers and systematic expulsions in the West Bank have escalated. Overlook the situation that global media are still blocked from freely reporting in Gaza. None of this, apparently, should be allowed to get in the way of Eurovision’s cherished spirit of unity.

The Pageant Proceeds Against a Backdrop of Unimaginable Suffering

Eurovision turns 70 next year – nearly twice the current lifespan of an individual in Gaza at present. The event will proceed, but it will likely never recapture the whimsical pleasure it historically embodied. A contest that initially championed harmony has now become a blatant mechanism to whitewash war.