Eurovision Was Once a Whimsical Delight – But It Has Become a Calculated Tool to Gloss Over Warfare.
A recent acronym emerged several months following the onset of the intensive bombing of Gaza by Israel. Labeled WCNSF, it signifies “Child casualty without any family left”. This acronym is unique to Gaza, as stated by health professionals like child health specialists. Ordinarily, it is rare for doctors to attend to a child who has been bereaved of their whole family. Yet, there has been nothing “normal” concerning the genocide in Gaza, where complete genealogies have been eradicated and the number of young amputees exceeds that of anywhere else in the world. Nothing ordinary about numerous doctors returning from a devastated terrain with testimonies of children being intentionally shot at.
A Hell on Earth In Spite Of a Supposed Ceasefire
The Gaza Strip continues to be an utter catastrophe. Essential medical supplies are not getting in those in need, and international watchdogs assert that atrocities are ongoing. Authorities has denied these accusations, just as it disavows everything it is charged with. Meanwhile, while traumatised orphans are now suffering from the cold in temporary shelters, there is a piece of uplifting information: nothing is going to stop the Eurovision song contest from advancing its professed goal of “togetherness and artistic sharing.” Eurovision will continue to extend a welcoming platform for Israel, despite the fact that several European countries have now pulled out in protest. Because this, apparently, is what international harmony manifests as.
The contest, notably excluded Russia from competing in 2022 due to the “serious conflict in Ukraine”. But the crisis in Gaza seems treated differently.
A Selective Vision
Disregard the reality that Israel was criticized for unfair vote practices last year in what could be seen as an bid to manipulate Eurovision. Ignore the report that a three-year-old girl was reportedly killed in Gaza just days ago. Forget the fact that aggression from Israeli settlers and forced displacement in the West Bank have increased dramatically. Forget the fact that foreign reporters are still denied freely reporting in Gaza. This entire context, it would seem, should be seen as a barrier of Eurovision’s much-touted ethos of unity.
The Contest Continues Amidst Profound Human Cost
Eurovision turns 70 next year – nearly twice the average life expectancy of a person in Gaza now. The broadcast will air, but it will never be able to restore the whimsical pleasure it was formerly known for. A competition that was originally built on togetherness has now become a cynical way to provide a cultural veneer for conflict.
