Eurovision ‘regret’ as singers take the stage in Palestinian scarfs

Eurovision’s organisers have said they “regret” that an artist chose to wear a Keffiyeh at the event’s opening performances on Tuesday night.

Swedish pop star Eric Saade, who is of Palestinian origin, donned the scarf on his wrist as he opened the first semi-final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden.

The Middle Eastern headdress has become a commonly used symbol of pro-Palestinian support throughout the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas and is frequently worn by demonstrators worldwide.

A spokesperson for the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organises the event, said: “The Eurovision Song Contest is a live TV show.

“All performers are made aware of the rules of the Contest, and we regret that Eric Saade chose to compromise the non-political nature of the event.”

Saade was among three former contestants who kicked off the first Eurovision semi-final in Malmö amid heightened tensions over Israel’s involvement.

Saade, who was placed third for Sweden in 2011, has condemned the EBU’s handling of this year’s controversy and has repeatedly stated he opposes Israel’s involvement in the competition.

Similarly to Saade, an American Eurovision fan worked her way around the organiser’s Palestinian flag ban by donning a distinctive Keffiyeh over her outfit.

Monica Ruiz, a 33-year-old library worker from Boston, chose to wear the scarf around her shoulders and paired it with large watermelon earrings, also a symbol used in pro-Palestine protests.

“It’s very complicated this year,” the Eurovision attendee told The Telegraph, explaining that many people will have “strong feelings” about the controversy surrounding Israel’s involvement.

She said: “We have friends who have bowed out of participating in any Eurovision this year in response to the inclusion [of Israel].

“I think that personally, it is hard to see a country be celebrated on an international stage while they are also being tried for genocide by the International Criminal Court.”

Explaining her decision to make a political statement at the music event, she said: “As a person with Indigenous roots, I am going to stand for Indigenous rights around the world.”

In late January, the UN-run International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Israel must act to prevent genocide in Gaza but stopped short of calling for an immediate ceasefire after South Africa brought a case against the country.

Only flags of participating countries are allowed

The 68th Eurovision Song Contest has been plagued by rows over Israel’s participation amid the country’s ongoing military campaign against Hamas in Gaza, now in its seventh month.

Organisers announced last week that they reserve the right to remove any Palestinian flags and pro-Palestine symbols at the show this week in Sweden, reinforcing that it is a non-political event.

Michelle Roverelli, the head of communications for event organisers the EBU, said ticket holders are only allowed to bring and display flags representing countries that take part in the event, as well as the rainbow-coloured flag.

It came after more than 1,000 Swedish musicians wrote an open letter calling for Israel to be banned.

At the event, which runs from Tuesday to Sunday, pro-Palestinian groups are expected to stage large protests in Malmö to raise awareness of the cause and demonstrate against Israel’s involvement.

The involvement of Eden Golan, this year’s performer for Israel, while the war in Gaza continues has divided politicians and celebrities.

The 20-year-old will perform the song October Rain, which was taken by some to be a reference to the Hamas attack of October 7, on Thursday.

UK in first semi-final

Meanwhile, this year’s first semi-final on Tuesday night saw performances by Ireland’s non-binary contestant, Bambi Thug, as well as Olly Alexander for the UK.

The Years & Years singer, 33, previously sparked an anti-semitism row after The Telegraph revealed he had signed a letter calling Israel an “apartheid regime” and condemning “Zionist propaganda”.

He broke down in tears during an interview with The Times, published last week, in which he addressed the controversy and said he had “struggled” during a performance at a pre-Eurovision party.

He has since said he respects fans who are boycotting the competition but branded attacks on him “extreme.”

The first night also saw performances by Ukraine’s duo Jerry Heil and Alyona Alyona and Croatia’s Baby Lasagna, who is tipped as a potential favourite to win.

Israel has qualified for every Eurovision final since 2015. It came third last year, with its most recent win coming in 2018 with Netta Barzilai’s song Toy.