Eurovision Was Traditionally a Lighthearted Spectacle – But It Has Evolved Into a Cynical Way to Gloss Over Warfare.

An recent acronym surfaced a couple of months into the military campaign against Gaza. Labeled WCNSF, it means “Wounded child, no surviving family”. This acronym is unique to Gaza, according to health professionals such as child health specialists. Typically, it is uncommon for physicians to care for a child who has seen the death of their complete family. However, there has been absolutely nothing ordinary regarding the widespread destruction in Gaza, where entire family lineages have been eradicated and the number of children who have lost limbs is greater than that of any other place in the world. Nothing normal about scores of doctors returning from a sea of ruins with reports of children being deliberately targeted.

A Hell on Earth Despite a Reported Truce

The Gaza Strip continues to be hell on earth. Essential medical supplies are not getting in those in need, and groups like Amnesty International assert that atrocities are still being committed. Authorities has denied these claims, just as it denies all charges it is accused of. But while young survivors are now suffering from the cold in temporary shelters, there is some ostensibly positive news: nothing is going to stop the international singing competition from advancing its stated mission of “togetherness and cultural exchange.” The contest will continue to extend a welcoming platform for Israel, although at least four European countries have now boycotted in dissent. And this, it seems, is what unity manifests as.

Eurovision, of course excluded Russia from competing in 2022 due to the “grave situation in Ukraine”. However, the situation in Gaza is completely different.

A Double Standard

Overlook the circumstance that Israel was alleged to have used unfair vote practices last year in what seems to have been an attempt to inject politics into Eurovision. Forget the fact that a three-year-old girl was reportedly killed in Gaza just days ago. Neglect the data that aggression from Israeli settlers and coerced removal in the West Bank have surged. Disregard the condition that foreign reporters are still prevented from independent reporting in Gaza. None of this, it would seem, should be allowed to get in the way of Eurovision’s much-touted ethos of unity.

The Show Goes On While Ignoring 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 find it impossible to reclaim the camp joy it was formerly known for. A competition that once promoted harmony has now become a cynical way to whitewash war.